Have just purchased a 6 pocket BAR belt and can only read first part of Manufacturer...Harlan ??? CO. Dated 1952. Any help is appreciated!
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Have just purchased a 6 pocket BAR belt and can only read first part of Manufacturer...Harlan ??? CO. Dated 1952. Any help is appreciated!
Pics would help.
Tried several angles and lighting but this is best my camera can do. I can make out Browning Automatic Rifle on first two lines, a drawing/part number of some sort is next, third line is HARLAN or HARIAN and what seems to be SMITH CO. Date is 1952.
Belt has no tears, holes, missing eyelets. Name is marked on back side in felt tip, D. Ransey. A date is also on back side, also in felt tip 5/28/can't make out last 2 digits.
US is very faint on RH Front pocket.
I have Googled Harlan/Harian Smith CO with no success. Any further help is appreciated.
I am a newbie and just saw a post from SRiverrat11 from last year with a much clearer view of the manufacturer of his BAR Belt, Harlan Stitch Co, 1951. That answers my question. Thanks for looking.
Attachment 52010Attachment 52011
The first BAR belt from 1918 had a steel cup for the BAR buttstock (which used the M1917 Enfield buttplate at that period) for walking or advance firing of the weapon, Note the pouch for Model 1911 pistol magazines. Later after the Great War, the steel cup was removed, sometimes an additional magazine pouch was added.
Bipod is from around 1937 for the Model 1918A1
I used to see both styles at the surplus stores as a kid for 10.00 bucks . Most were in mint condition now they are being repro'd at crazy prices .
Welcome to the site!Quote:
Originally Posted by Garand51
Since my name is HARLAN I've noticed this manufacturer before on various pieces of old web gear, and good markings I've seen (At least the gear I've seen) were marked 'HARIAN'.
~ Harlan
Harian Stitching Co, Haverhill, Mass., had WWII contracts for cartridge belts M1923, magazine cases, field cargo packs, M1 carbine scabbards, canteen covers and etc.