M1876 Belt Question

[Hambone Dave]

This may be a dumb question and my terminology will be wrong. I am thinking about making a Fairweather Christian/M1876 belt. I have never seen one up close and can't find any detailed pictures.

My question is: the belt plate is on one side and the 'receiver/latch' is on the other side which is looped onto the adjustable part. What is the fixture/stud that allows you to lengthened the belt? Does anyone have a picture of the belt showing the adjustable portion.

Any help would be appreciated.

[Hambone Dave]

Nevermind - I posted too quickly. I searched this great site and found the answer.....J HOOK...sometimes I feel stupid

[Trailrider]

Nevermind - I posted too quickly. I searched this great site and found the answer.....J HOOK...sometimes I feel stupid

No, you are NOT stupid. The FWC belts were created from NCO waist belts by having the company saddler sew on the cartridge loops. As you can probably see (depends on the photo you look at), the hasp, or the part that the hook on the belt plate goes into, is permanently attached to the left end (as you are wearing it), using two rivets and in most instances, three rows of stitching.  The other end of the belt (on your right as it is worn), is slipped through the belt plate slot from the front, and then folds back on itself to the end of the belt is inside the belt, next to your body.  Yes, the J-hook (either a flat piece of brass or an actual hook, depending on the type of belt used to make the cartridge belt) goes through holes in the belt. NOTE, however, that the prairie belts with the cartridge loops generally have a lightweight piece of leather (3/4 oz.) sewn to the inside of the belt body, and the hole for the hook are punched in that rather than the belt body itself, so the hook doesn't get in the way of the cartridges on the outside of the belt body.  Usually one or two loose keepers are used to maintain flatness of the leather near the belt plate.  [Unfortunately for this description, the photo at www.gunfighter.com/trailrider only shows the front of the belt, and not in very closeup detail. But at least it gives you the idea.] 

[outrider]

Dhas...Will Ghormley's "Frank James" pattern pack has a pattern for the Fairweather-Christian belt

[john boy]

Period correct FC/M1876 belt buckle ...


http://www.ushist.com/indian-wars_accouterments_us_iw_f.shtml

[bedbugbilly]

If you're looking for the belt plate (as pictured) - check eBay as well.  Do a search on there for something like "U S Belt Buckle" - I've seen them on there priced pretty reasonably at times - often at a Buy It Now.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Thanks for asking your question, DH. If you have one, someone else is wondering the same thing. This bunch is one of the most knowledgeable and everyone here is willing to share their ideas and tips. Welcome to the Leather Forum. Looking forward to your posts.