Mills and Orndorff Model 1894 Shotgun Cartridge Belt

Description

This is a Model 1894 Mills & Orndorff shotgun cartridge belt that has been converted into a bandoleer. The webbed belt is in used condition with staining from wear, but is still in very good condition. It measures 3" wide and is 48" long when adjusted all the way out. There are 32 loops for the 12 gauge ammunition. The cartridge loops are not frayed at the top and/or bottom. There are four eyelets on each side of the belt. There are twenty six brass shotgun shells in the belt, all of them having been fired. The majority of the shells have a head stamp of Winchester No. 12, but there is also NYC No. 12, U.M.C. Co. No. 12, G. Egestorff No. 12. The brass ends of the belt are both stamped "Pat.MILLS & ORNDORFF" with the following patent dates: AUG.26;67/JUL.31;77/DEC.28;80/MAR.19;89/OCT.31;93/SEP.11;94. This is a great piece for the Spanish American War collector that would have been used with the M97 trench gun.