Belts and Buckles and Badges

After I found my grandfather's ammo pouches and entrenching tool carrier I was hooked. I became determined to get an appropriate uniform. To this end I created something rather theatrical. Then I discovered the online world of artifacts and bought my first 3" Mills belt. This I could afford, but not the prices for the 2" shoulder braces. That's when I got to the reproduction world.

Since then I've stumbled upon a variety of belts. My criteria for collecting is that the artifact must be from WWI, ideally it will be Canadian, I won't buy more than two unless I am prepared to sell one, and it must be bought for a price I can afford.

Here's an Oliver Pattern belt I got by way of a payment. The back side shows the adaptation for the 1915 pattern design.

I found this 1916 belt, below, in a pile of old leather objects. I think it was $20. It's missing its rings, presumably so it will fit trouser belt loops. I think a lot of belts survived in some form because they were used after the war in civilian life. I had a better example but it has disappeared. It was either pilfered at a military ball or I've misplaced it somewhere. I still hope to find it under a cupboard or something.

I couldn't resist this next belt with its small money pouch. Besides it was five bucks. What's its history?

Another good buy was this trophy belt. I am adding to it as a way of showing my own button and badge collection. Just a word of note: the French helmet badge is a reproduction, as is the PPCLI Marguerite cap badge. I have just had brass reproductions made of the Margeurite. They are available for sale along with a 21st Battalion cap badge. Contact me at timothyjsoper@gmail.com  The Marguerite costs $ 40.00 Canadian and this includes postage. The 21st Battalion badge sells for $30.00. Payment can be made with PayPal. See the photos beneath the belt.

I also have two Sam Browne belts which I'll show on an "officer" posting. 

But to end, here is my narrow design for an Oliver style snake belt I'm having made. Let me know if you're interested and give me waist sizes. I'll report on prices soon.

I'll place one last photo here of my grandfather's pouches and entrenching tool carrier on the 3" belt with the reproduction shoulder braces. The set begins to come together.