Original Item: Only One Available. Introduced in the early years of the 20th Century, these Model 1912 and Model 1917 Cavalry Bandoliers saw extensive service in the field to include the Punitive Expedition into Mexico and World War One. These bandoliers are known to have been modified by removing the three pocket pistol ammunition carriers to allow the soldier to attach the Model 1911 Magazine Pouch.

This is an unissued condition bandolier of the relatively scarce Mills Model 1912 Cavalry Cartridge Bandolier. In its original configuration, with no modifications, this bandolier has survived in excellent condition, with all of the “lift the dot” snaps intact, and with no tearing or wear around the snaps. The revolver ammunition pockets are intact, as are all the cartridge pocket flaps, with none of the flaps showing any wear. The original darkened finish is present on all the metal fittings. This Model 1912 Bandolier with the proper “U” curved body has a full length web billet on one end and the proper frame friction buckle on the other. There is a slight curve to the bandolier as these were meant to be crossbody worn. The darkened brass billet strap is stamped on both sides with all of the appropriate Mills Patent information and dates - the last date being 1916 - and the inside of the far left cartridge pocket flap is ink stamped “JAN 1918” and “MILLS” inside the bullet logo.

This lovely example is unlikely to be encountered again anytime soon, you do not want to miss out on the opportunity to add a near mint condition Cavalry Bandolier to your collections! Comes ready to display.

Bandoliers
A bandolier or a bandoleer is a pocketed belt for holding either individual bullets, or belts, of ammunition. It is usually slung sash-style over the shoulder and chest, with the ammunition pockets across the midriff and chest. Though functionally similar, they are distinct from chest rigs, which are designed to hold magazines instead.

In its original form, it was common issue to soldiers from the 16th-18th centuries, and contained either pre-packed chargers; small containers of wood, metal or cloth containing the measured amount of gunpowder for a single shot with muzzle loading muskets or other guns; or early forms of cartridges also containing a ball. It might also carry grenades, powder flasks, or other accessories for shooting. Any bag worn in the same style may also be described as a bandolier bag; similarly, pocketed belts holding ammunition worn around the waist may also be called bandoliers.

A somewhat different form of bandolier came into use in the 19th century, when it held more modern metallic cartridges and hand grenades. Bandoliers are now less common due to the use of detachable magazines and belt-fed firearms, though extra ammunition belts are often carried around the body like a bandolier. They are, however, still often used with shotguns, hand grenades, and grenade launchers.

Shotgun shells can easily be stored in traditionally designed bandoliers. In fact, some aftermarket shotgun slings are designed in a fashion similar to traditional bandoliers, albeit with a far more limited capacity.

In World War I and World War II, bandoliers were issued primarily to riflemen. They were made of cloth, stitched into pockets which held clips of rifle ammunition. In civilian use, bandoliers are often worn by hunters and recreational shooters using shotguns.

The Chetniks of World War II made heavy use of bandoliers, often carrying two over the shoulder and two around the hip, using the latter as a holster for revolvers and daggers.

Another modern use of a bandolier is for the automatic rifleman of a military fireteam. Since a squad automatic weapon is often belt-fed, an automatic rifleman will carry an extra belt on his person; either in a separate compartment or slung over the chest in bandolier fashion. The bandolier was used to keep ammunition off a soldier's hips, as carrying too much weight on the hips can constrain movement and cause difficulty in retrieving the ammunition.