Garand ammo belt question

[paul v]

I recently picked up an ammo belt. It is very faded, almost to a light tan color, but was definately olive drab at one time. It is marked PLANT BROS & CO. 7032 9-1918 on the inside. It has 103W 14 on the inside of one pocket, and 103rd REGT 14 on the inside of another. Can anyone tell me anything about it? Thanks, Paul

Information

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[Tom Doniphon]

Photos would really help, but I suspect you may have a Model 1917 Dismounted ammunition belt. Plant Brothers of Boston, MA, is the belt maker. The "103rd 14" is a unit marking.

Does the small strap in the middle have hooks on both ends?

[paul v]

Thanks Tom, yes it does. Paul

[Bill Ricca]

Some markings are web lot numbers, others are unit markings. Need a picture to see for sure.

It may have been dyed OD in later years.

[paul v]

Bill, here are some pictures. Sorry that some are blurry. Paul

[American Patrol]

I collect, study and reproduce WWII canvas gear as a hobby and for feature film productions.

Your cart. belt is a real curiosity.

Early WWII cart belts were made a lighter shade color called OD#3, which is the original color that your belt was made (the belt date in the pic seems to be either 1943 or 44). However during this time makers retained the 1903 stripper clip snap closure and securing strap just beneath the large 2.75” flap with the lift-the-dot snap.

It was later in the war (called transition pieces) and postwar when cart. belts were made in the darker OD#7 color. Also it was postwar when cart. belt makers deleted the Springfield stripper clip snap and only used the large 2.75’ pocket flap with lift-the-dot flap.

With that in mind, I have yet to see a belt like yours in the early war color sans the Springfield stripper clip securing strap and snap.

Raymond Meldrum
American Patrol Company

[Johnny Peppers]

Your belt appears to be the 1917 Dismounted belt, and has had the pockets dyed green at some time. Plant Brothers was one of the manufacturers of the M1917 belt.

[Bill Ricca]

I see the unit markings. The other markings, near the company name looks like a permanent marking, so it is probably a production control lot number.

It cannot be a fabric lot number because they vary in markings and position.

[paul v]

Thanks guys. I figured for five bucks, it was worth grabbing, as I've wanted one for some time. Paul

[kurt varga]

nice find kid, tell the whole world before me. will see what you get for xmas