This regulation U.S. 1874 Pattern saber belt rig features a First Type Pattern 1881 Holster manufactured at Rock Island Arsenal in 1881-82. The left hand holster was designed for Colt Single Action Army and S & W Schofield Revolvers. The holster has the correct half-flap with two adjustable buttonholes for closure. This is a typical Indian War Cavalry Trooper's Saber belt rig from the early 1880's. Fabricated of black bridle leather, the left-hand body has a shallow, riveted and sewn belt loop made to mount only on a plain waist or saber belt. The half-flap is stamped "ROCK ISLAND/ARSENAL" and the inspector initials "WK" and "LLR". The holster body is embossed with "US" in an oval. The belt is an altered U.S. Watervliet Arsenal produced pattern 1874 Sabelt Belt with a "US" belt buckle. The belt is 36 1/2 inches long and is complete with the sliding brass keepers, two decorative leather senser straps and brass Model 1824 "vs" belt date. Attached to the belt are a U.S. Watervliet Arsenal Dyer cartridge pouch with fleece lining, period converted Civil War cap pouch with "US" embossed flap, and a Hazen’s patent black leather cartridge carrier. The Hazen’s patent black leather cartridge carrier has a row of twelve loops in front, eight loops in the back, and three belt loops with "U.S./ARSENAL/BENICIA" stamped on the center loop.

The holster is excellent. The flap and the belt loop show minor flexing wear. The Rock Island Arsenal cartouche and inspector initials are clear. The body of the holster is excellent with smooth leather, tight stitches and sharp "US" embossed, with some minor scratches and an indentation on the front. Hazen loops, Dyer cartridge box and revolver cap box are in very fine to excellent condition. The inner flap of the cap box was cut away in the center and the remaining sides were professionally sewn to the body. The arsenal markings are clear. The stitching is tight. This is an exceptional Pattern 1881 Holster and Model 1824 Saber belt rig that would be extremely difficult to improve upon.