Rifle Cartridge Belts, Wartime manufactured
Click on the photos for a larger image.
Mills M1910 Dismounted Rifle Cartridge Belt
This April 1917 dated Mills made belt is a very early version of the war time made belts with lift the dot snaps. The pockets still have the clip retaining straps and the elongated eyelets along the left side of the belt. Later 1917 made belts would eliminate the retaining straps and elongated eyelets. Carl Panak Collection
M1917 Dismounted Rifle Cartridge Belt
This variation manufactured by Long in June 1918 is often called the "wartime construction" belt because it is not made from woven canvas like the Mills and Russell belts.
M1918 Mounted Rifle Cartridge Belt
The M1914 Mounted Rifle Cartridge belt was fielded to equip soldiers who carried the Colt M1911 .45 automatic pistol in addition to their rifle. The 1918 version of the was of simplified construction, an example manufactured by Long in 1918 is shown here. Each belt has nine pockets for Springfield rifle clips and a space for a .45 Pistol magazine pocket. Although mounted soldiers were only authorized to wear this belt, it was not uncommon for Infantrymen who carried a .45 to wear this belt as well. GWS Collection
Hell's Half Acre: A Vietnam War Webpage
Doughboys Main Page
Uniforms
Field Gear
Personal Items