Uniforms Cartridge box and buckle.

[RickL]

Greetings,

I'm looking for a little help from the experts. I got this cartridge box and buckle from my grandparents when I was a young lad. I know nothing about them short of the fact that they look civil war era or older. Lots of military history on that side of the family, in just about every war, to include the Revolution. Thanks for any info you can give.

 

[RedRover]

They are Spanish, from the Spanish-American War and Philippine insurrection period (1898-1902) period.

The belt plate is of a type the Spanish employed in the late 19th Century.


Although the pattern of belt plate, with the number cut out, was replaced after 1868 for line infantry, they were evidently still around in Cuba in 1898, as some souvenirs from veterans are of the type. The 1852 infantry plates with the cut out numbers are about 6.6 x 5 cm.

UNIFORMS

The Spanish Artillery continued to use the cut out number plates after the 1860s... the 1867 pattern artillery belt plates are slightly larger, at about 7.8 x 6 cm. These were still in use in Cuba in 1898, etc.

SPANISH_BELT_PLATES

The cartridge box is an example of the Spanish 1886 pattern rifle equipment for their Remington and Mauser rifles...

UNIFORMS

Here's some Philippine insurgents wearing the type (on their left side front of their waist belts)...

 

[RickL]

Thank you very much for that information. My Great Grandfather, Alfred Lanning, was in Co. B of the 11th US Infantry Regiment during the Spanish American war. You solved a mystery that has lasted for years. Very exciting. Thanks again.