Help wanted

[WillieB]

Could anyone point me to a good illustration of a British cavalryman's shoulder belt and cartridge pouch circa 1857?
Any help very much appreciated!

[Atheling]

Could anyone point me to a good illustration of a British cavalryman's shoulder belt and cartridge pouch circa 1857?
Any help very much appreciated!

I'm assuming the Indian Mutiny/First War of Independence?

[Mad Guru]

If you are looking for info on British equipment worn in the field during the Indian Mutiny/Great War of Independence, I suggest visiting the Mutiny Uniforms & Organization page at Mike Snook's IRON DUKE MINIATURES site:

https://www.irondukeminiatures.co.uk/1857-uniforms-orgs-etc

On a more generic "British Cavalry" front, the 3 pics below may be of some use. They are Ackerman Military Prints from the book "Uniforms of the British & Indian Armies, 1840-1858".  They are in full dress.  The Troopers have white belts and black pouches; the officers gold.

[WillieB]

Yes, indeed Indian Mutiny.
Well, those illustrations already give a good indication of the width and depth of the pouch. Thank you very much!
What is still not very clear is how the pouch actually attached to the belt. A later illustration shows the belt actually in two parts with the pouch in between with brass 'buckles' holding it in place.

[Mad Guru]

I believe you are referring to the Sabretache pouch and cross belt, as seen in this photo:



LINK to more views of the above (from an auction):

https://www.michaeldlong.com/product/full-dress-sabretache-cross-belt-and-pouch/

Some other examples:





https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.alamy.com%2Fstock-photo%2Findian-army-officer.html&psig=AOvVaw0TeGpp4RjRM7tXehNCc_lY&ust=1598140774036000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCMCk3bzAresCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAW



This style was worn by many British cavalry regiments.  It could be worn in the field or replaced in the field by a simpler cross-belt and pouch, depending on multiple factors, such as the regiment's traditions, supply/resupply situation, commanding Officer's preference, etc.

The Mutiny is a little out of my historical button-counting wheelhouse, so to speak.  There may be detailed info out there re: equipment worn in the field by various different British cavalry regiments, or not.  If you want specific info to recreate a particular unit at a particular place and time, I suggest you share more details of exactly what you're looking for.