Brass Keeper, Waist belt

[Charles Kaiser]

Hallo Kameraden,
I rode in the new Compendium, that the Brass Keeper on the Ud waist Belt could not be seen before 1863, because of the were not described in the 1862 Quatermaster Manual.
I have senn know inthe book of r.Stephen Dorsey"American Military Belts an Related Equioment, that the Brass Keeper was rgulated with 1856 regulation waist belt. So my Question: Was the 1856 Waist belt produced befor 1863, or given to the soldiers?
If Yes in which Quantitys? Any other Informations about it?
Thank you

[Jefferson Guards]

Re: Brass Keeper, Waist belt

While it does not specifically answer your question. Here is an image of an original waist belt worn by William E. Manchester who was KIA at 2nd Manassas (8/30/1862).

Note the brass keeper.