A handcrafted rig consisting of a russet leather waist belt and shoulder strap, a russet leather “possibles bag” affixed to the waist belt with a piebald brown-and-white hide front flap, and a powder horn attached to the shoulder strap by a pair of adjustable straps. N.p., 19th c. Bag approx. 9 x 7 3/4 in., horn approx. 9 3/4 in. long.

WITH a patriotic tinned brass flask of an eagle mid-flight, approx. 3 3/8 in. x 5 3/8 in. x 1 in.

Mountain men, the fur and buckskin-clad hunters, trappers and traders of the 19th century American Frontier, led generally rugged lives and were forced to fashion or trade for articles not supplied to them by the big fur companies by whom many were employed. Besides the flask, the assorted items have the hallmarks of handmake and regular use. At least two distinct period fibers are visible in the rig’s construction, plied flax cord overall and black woven cord to adhere the bag to the belt, and the larger and smaller buckles are made from brass and iron respectively.

[Militaria, Accouterment, Equipment, Uniforms]

Apparent modern repair to a partial separation along the waist belt.