Description:

SCARCE U.S. M1874 PALMER BELT & BRACE SYSTEM.
Comprising what appears to be a complete Palmer belt and brace system. The centering back strap marked Watervliet Arsenal. The U.S. M1874 Palmer belt and brace system was an experimental load-bearing system adopted by the U.S. Army in 1874. It was an attempt to improve upon the 1872 Cavalry brace system and distribute a soldier's equipment load more evenly. The system utilized a leather belt and braces. The braces, or suspender-like straps, were intended to help carry the weight of equipment like the haversack, clothing bag, and canteen. The system was designed to allow soldiers to comfortably carry two McKeever ammunition boxes, a haversack, clothing bag, mess gear, cup, blanket, and bayonet for the Model 1873 Springfield rifle. The haversack was attached to the braces under the right arm, and the clothing bag was attached similarly under the left arm. A strap connected these two packs at the bottom. The system also included straps for carrying the soldier's blanket, poncho, and shelter half. The Palmer system was adopted for service use by the 1874 board on infantry equipment. However, despite the well-intentioned design, the soldiers in the field did not favor the system, finding it cumbersome. Consequently, the system was withdrawn from service in 1878. As such, few were made and even fewer survived.

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August 19, 2025 9:00 AM CDT
Cedar Falls, IA, US

Jackson's International

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