Pistol Beltss
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Soldiers who did not carry a rifle would use an M1912 pistol belt which was designed to carry a single magazine pocket for the Colt M1911 .45 Automatic Pistol and the various accouterments carried by soldiers.Metal grommets along the belt allowed a .45 automatic pistol holster, first aid pouch, canteen, and haversack to be attached to the belt.
M1912 Pistol Belt, First Pattern
This is the first version of the M1912 Pistol Belt, manufactured by Mills, dated 1913. It is a transitional belt between the four pocket M1910 Revolver Cartridge belt and the post 1914 pistol belt. This is distinguished by the middle row of grommets which stops midway on the belt. The post 1914 belt would see the addition of the middle row of grommets extending all the way across the belt. Early pistol belts lacked the retaining snap for the pistol magazine pocket. All pre 1917 belts only had one keeper.
M1912 Pistol Belt, 2nd Pattern
The 2nd pattern pistol had full rows of grommets, differing from the first pattern belt. Many of these belts were retrofitted with an eagle snap from 1915- 1917. Carl Panak Collection
M1912 Pistol Belt with Eagle Snap
A problem with the early M1912 pistol belts was how the pistol magazine pocket would fall off when the belt was unbuckled. This issue was corrected by the addition of a female eagle snap fastener on the left end of the belt. The new improved pistol magazine pocket had a male snap on the back of the belt. Thus the pocket could be secured to the belt. This belt is dated October 1915, manufactured by Mills and has a rimmed eagle snap fastener.
M1912 Pistol Belt, 1917-1918
The example of the belt shown is typical of the post 1917 belts, manufactured either by L.C. & C. Company, or Plant Brothers. Mills made belts had their patent information stamped on the belt ends. The pistol belt underwent further modification by the addition of a second keeper and the plain- faced, domed Carr snap fastener. It should be noted that the Carr fastner can not be used with the earlier pistol magazine pockets, nor can an eagle snap fastner be used with the later pistol magazine pockets. Carl Panak Collection
M1912 Pistol Belt, with saber ring
This belt was manufactured by P.B. and Co., dated Sept. 1918. The brass ring on the left side of the belt was for the sabre hanger.
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