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These are not tied to the gun. They are not for the Krag or the M-1903 rifle. With the move to the new uniform and field gear, in 1904, the cotton cartridge belts, with pockets, came into use for the field. For garrison, a leather belt was used. These are for garrison use, mounted on the garrison belt. At that time, the Regular Army received M-1903 rifles, and thus these are really more M-1903 wedded than Krag. Except the Militia still had Krags, so these were valid for both. They are not tied to the gun. The "redo" of the field gear in 1910 resulted in the new M-1910 garrison belt with these then being replaced. Which likely took some time as it takes years for something new to work its way through the Regulars and Militia.

The field gear was transferred from Watervliet to Rock Island Arsenal in 1890. A big flood that year did mess with the transition. The above box was made at Watervliet. When? They didn't date them. Before 1885. How can that be determined? Smith died.

M-1903 rifle. McKeever on the bed. Along with a round canteen.