The Magee Horter & George Cap Box & Belt with Fork Tongue Frame Buckle
The C has double waist belt loops. It is marked on the outer flap with the Magee, Horter & George maker's mark. Boxes bearing the Magee, Horter and George maker's mark were made prior to September of 1861.
This distinctive Leather Magee Horter & George Belt with it's Fork Tongue Frame Buckle were found in sets made by Magee, Horter and George that were distributed in sets supplied to Louisiana troops early in the war.
At the time Louisiana seceded from the Union on January 26, 1861, the United States Arsenal at Baton Rouge had been in the hands of state forces just over two weeks. By the Spring of 1861 the arsenal was under control of the Confederate government. Richard Lambert, Military Store Keeper, was in command and was assisted by Capt. J. C. Booth.
Through the spring and fall of 1861 Lambert and Booth purchased about 3,000 sets of Accoutrements from the New Orleans firm of Magee, Horter & George.