Original Indian War M1876 Prairie Belt with original .45-70 rounds

The army had its trouble finding suitable accoutrements that would best serve the soldier in the field, and the Model 1876 was the first issued cartridge belt that met that need, while finding favor with the troops, who had been modifying issue equipment since the end of the Civil War. This belt has 56 .45 caliber cartridge loops with (14) original 45-70 rounds plus (3) .44-40 rounds?.  The webbing is soiled but, very good overall.  This is the model 1876 cartridge (prairie) belt. It is the extremely rare narrow version.  References state that this belt was the U.S Army’s first official cartridge belt authorized in Dec 1876 in the wake of the issues encountered at the Battle of the Little Big Horn.  These belts were produced at the Watervliet Arsenal in New York. The belt was authorized for use by both the cavalry and infantry and 2,500 of the new pattern cartridge belts were manufactured. The new belt design resolved the verdigris problem because cartridges were now carried in varnished canvas loops rather than leather loops. Verdigris (a green oxidation) could bind the cartridge to the leather loops and even make the cartridges difficult to chamber in the weapon. These belts saw considerable use in 1877 during the Sioux War and the Nez Perce Campaign, as well as general use throughout the West. The belt is in overall very good condition with no fraying on the loops. The belt is 2 inches wide. Cartridge loops are 1 3/4 inches long. The leather billet has been shortened by 4 1/2 inches. It was issued with 13 inches, but was shorten by the trooper. The leather on this belt is in good condition and still pliable, but does lack the, “Watervliet arsenal mark” due to being shortened.