rifle sling webbing

[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?

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[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