Anyone know origins of name ‘Fair Weather Christian’ cartridge belts?

I was browsing through some Western history sources this morning and the phrase "Fair Weather Christian cartridge belts" caught my eye. You'll admit, that's quite an eye-catcher as the language goes. Heck, I've heard a sermon or two throughout my lifetime warning with distaste about "fair weather Christians," i.e., the sort who keep the faith only when things are going smooth and easy.

For the life of me, I could not figure out what it meant to apply "fair weather Christian" behavior to a cartridge belt back in the days of the Old West.

But I have spent much of the morning Googling and digging through books in my library -- and no where can I find anything about the origins of that name and what in the world it had to do with the M1876 Cartridge Belt. Yes, I got that specific information from a site that makes and sells leather holsters, belts, and other Old West leather gear. They made reference in passing on that site to troops who had fought in the Civil War adapting some of their military belts to hold cartridges. I even found reference somewhere to a replica of Frank James' 1875 Remington .44-.40 pistol, which showed a picture of the gun and a handmade replica of James' holster and "Fair Weather Christian" belt.

I really am becoming obsessed with this one. Why was the belt called a "Fair Weather Christian" belt? Did the name have something to do with white soldiers' attitudes toward Indians who appeared to be "friendlies," then proved treacherous during the western Indian wars? I can only guess.

So my plea to all of you reading this: Anyone who can find a source of information, please leave a comment and/or link so I can check it out? Thanks.

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About Gary Speer

Gary Speer, aka "Old Hoppy," has been hanging around the Old West since way back when "Hoppy" meant "Hoppalong Cassady," the Clarence E. Mulford Western novel character transformed into a bona fide movie (and later TV) hero portrayed by William Boyd. Gary's "Old Hoppy" nickname came from fun loving friends and family members because of his love for the Old West -- and for all of the American Story in history.