rifle sling webbing

[Beerhunter]

I bought all their stable belt webbing when they went into liquidation - must have about 40/50 rolls of stable belt cotton web!!

Just for idle curiosity, what Regts./Corps?

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[saddler]

Just for idle curiosity, what Regts./Corps?

Easy answer on that one = YES
OR, the more detailed answer = not got a bloody Scooby, mate

The obvious ones like Medical Corps, Para Regt., etc. I can spot: but I was a Penguin/Rockape, so aint too genned up on Pongo kit

Methinks we need a Kodak moment or two in order to sort the issue out:










oh, I have been known to make Stable belts - did so at the factory for the odd order from Toy, Kenning & Spencer. Not made any for a while but they are easy-ish...last ones I did were a few extra-long K.O.S.B. from the museum in Berwick, which I shortened to non-pie-diet sizes for lesser mortals.

NOT got extensive notes on the different leather tabs/straps - but I do remember that there were at least three different leather tab/strap/buckle patterns depending on regiment, etc.

Hope this is of use,

Jon

[Cottage Hill Bill]

Jon,

Does stable belt webbing just happen to be the same size/weight as the webbing between the arches on a 1902UP?

[saddler]

Jon,

Does stable belt webbing just happen to be the same size/weight as the webbing between the arches on a 1902UP?

THAT is the origin of "Stable Belts" - it was a way for cavalry regiments & the like to add more flair to their otherwise drab working dress uniforms.
Girth straps from saddles were modified into belts by the local saddler; some also had a leather pocket/pouch or two added. Things then became more formalised, though a lot of belts were issued "on purchase" by the recruit buying his from the NAAFI - it was an item approved for service use, but not issued.

Let me know if you need a length of this - as every time there is a strong wind here the ceiling rafters creak under the weight of all the rolls!! (Stored in the attic out of the way)

[Beerhunter]

As has been alluded to, stable belts were originally for mounted units (not just cavalry). As you can see from the picture the buckles are worn at the left side with the adjuster at the back. This is so that one can lean into a horse when grooming without scratching it with one's belt buckle. Non-mounted units picked up stable belts and often had large regimental buckles at the front, for example: the Special Air Service Regiment (SAS). (Oddly the RE moved from a "proper" stable belt to one with a front buckle in the 1970s IIRC.)

Attachment 25411I still have my old "proper" RE Stable Belt somewhere. However I did find the belt that I wore at school. We were badged Royal Signals.

Looking quickly at that webbing I can see: Parachute Regiment, SAS (You ought to be able sell thousands of these just to those people whom claim to have been at the Iranian Embassy Siege alone.), Royal Artillery, Brigade of Guards, and Royal Signals hiding in the last picture. Sadly, I used to know many more

[Harson]

How about this kind of sling webbing:

Material: Nylon
Thickness: .065″
Breaking Strength: 4,500 lbs.
Weave: plain, loose
Colors: black, olive drab, coyote brown
Common uses: rifle slings, belts, straps