Featured in this lot is this marked, leather cartridge belt made by Joseph Sullivan in Fort Benton, Montana Territory circa 1880-1890s. The Sullivan Saddlery initially came from Fort Benton, Montana. It was supposedly built in 1847, making it Montana's oldest wooden structure. It was located on Front Street in Fort Benton, just west of the bank building, where a contemporary brick-fronted drug shop now stands. Even before Sullivan arrived, the building had a long history. A Native American treaty was signed here, and it later became a tavern known as the "Treaty Saloon." It was one of the first structures constructed outside of the fort on the current Fort Benton town site. Joseph Sullivan was one of Montana's most famous saddlers. In 1880, Sullivan and Goss became partners in Deer Lodge and had their first big order from Conrad Kohrs. In 1882, Sullivan relocated to Fort Benton, ending his partnership with Goss in 1883, and continued to run his shop until his death. His largest order was 500 saddles for the Northwest Mounted Police. Charlie Russell used to enjoy sitting around the same stove that is still in this shop, reminiscing about the good old days before trains and automobiles. The leather cartridge belt shows forty .45 caliber cartridge loops. The cartridge belt is made of folded, russet skirting leather with an iron buckle with scalloped edges. The tongue billet, buckle chape and cartridge loops are sewn to the belt body. The belt is not decorated but the tongue billet is stamped reading, "Jos. Sullivan Ft. Benton". The belt shows fair condition as there is wear present to the leather and cartridge loops. Flex marks and some flaking is present but no major signs of damage is noted. The belt measures 44 1/2" L x 2 1/4" W x 1/2" D and weighs 8 ounces.