RARE PATTON OF TOMBSTONE MARKED .45 CARTRIDGE BELT

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/23/2026

A very seldom seen maker in the antique gun leather collecting world, circa 1880s, .45 cartridge belt made by John Patton of Tombstone, Arizona Territory. Maker’s mark stamped on tongue “PATTON & Co. TOMBSTONE”. J.J. Patton was a saddler in rough and tumble Tombstone, and his advertisements are found in early 1880s Tucson and Tombstone general and business directories in the Arizona state archives. Patton was located across the street from the OK Corral at the time of the famous fight in 1881. Any of Patton's marked cowboy leather is quite rare and desirable in any condition, let alone an example this nice. Recognized as a leading Arizona saddler, Patton also partnered in a ranch with Milt Joyce of the Oriental Saloon and Milt’s bartender, “Buckskin” Frank Leslie, a known gunslinger.
Condition: Belt is 3" wide and 37-1/2" including tongue, and has 43 cartridge loops measuring 1-3/4" that are in fine condition, with most of their original polish with minor scuffing on ends. Surface of this belt is superior to a vast majority of other Wild West era cartridge belts found. The tongue is also in very good condition where sewn and marked retaining most of its original finish. The flexible end of tongue retains good color, though crazed and crackled with some scuffing. The thin red leather Moroccan backing is sound and solid, though showing legitimate age commensurate wear.

Item Dimensions: 37 - 1/2" Length.