A Superb Victorian British Officers Cartridge Pouch and Cross belt

In silver, bullion and black leather. Silver bullion wire work in triple bands across black morocco leather with cast acanthus leaf decorated buckle and bars with double silver bullion banded pouch bearing a central silver Victoria's VR cypher surmounted by the queen's crown. In the 1864 British army dress regulations the number of bands across the belt could indicate the seniority of rank, three with Morocco leather for the highest, say Colonel or General, two with Morocco for Lt Col or Major, and plain patent leather for junior ranks. A typical example of the finest English craftsmanship employed to create some of the finest quality uniforms and accoutrements in the world. In the Victorian Empire period the quality and extravagance was unsurpassed and this is an example of the stunning silver and leather work that combined to create an officers cartridge pouch and cross belt to be worn across the left shoulder by officers in uniform. Although one might assume these were solely for dress purposes but often they were used in combat and regular service in the days before khaki and camouflage uniforms were deemed more suitable for regular service dress. The last photo in the gallery of just a few examples of the different kinds of cartridge pouches and bullion belts worn by British officers in the Victorian era. Versions of them are still worn today. Cross belts originally were used from the 16th century onwards, to hang swords, called at the time, a baldric, - later, with the early wheel and flint lock muskets, they added a pouch to carry musket or pistol balls - the powder was always carried in a powder horn. As the centuries moved on, in the 18th and 19th century, they were solely used to carry pre-made up cartridges by officers in service uniform. These were always far more decorative than in previous eras, and often had the royal arms or regimental devices in gilt or silver decorated onto the front flap or lid. They were mounted on silver or gold wire bullion decorated leather cross belts.

Code: 21126