Rare 1880 US \"H-Buckle\" 45-70 Cartridge Web Belt - Dug in Arizona - Apache Wars For Sale

This is a very rare dug Model 1880 \"US\" buckle from the 45-70 cartridge belt. These were only produced for a couple of years until the Army modified the belt and buckle design in 1883. This one is in dug condition and has the typical damage associated with dug relics. The front displays very nicely, but the back is missing the vertical bar for attachment to the belt. It has not been cleaned. This came from the collection of a gentleman (now deceased) who used to metal detect at some of the old forts and army camps in southern Arizona, site of the Apache Wars in the 1880s. In fact, in photos of the Apaches, the warriors can often be seen wearing this exact same style of cartridge belt and buckle, as these were issued to the Apache scouts. A great piece of western Indian Wars history!!