US M1923 Cartridge Belt, one to repair, one to complete.

[CatBacker88]

I have one and a half M1923 cartridge belts. One I have had since about 1973, bought it from an ancient surplus store in two parts found in opposite corners of a scroungy warehouse. It's almost all there, but two of the grommets on one side are missing, and both sides are missing the steel brackets the back strap passes through. The rigid wire hooks are present, just the two brackets that actually secure the back strap are just not there. There is no other damage to the belt, so I think it's worth working with. Can any of you tell me how best to replace the two missing grommets? And any ideas how to replace the brackets?

Also have a perfect right-side section of another belt, but no back strap or left-side half. I would love to complete the thing, any idea where to look for the strap and a left side half?

Thanks guys!

[Aragorn243]

ebay is your friend.

[Mk VII]

I used the bracket [buckle] from a British 1937 Left or Right pack strap. It slipped a bit, a 1944 -pattern webbing buckle might have been better.

[CatBacker88]

ebay is your friend.

You would think so, but no joy there. Any recommendations on what, exactly, to search for?

[Aragorn243]

US Cartridge belt. I've been following the same search for about a month now. Most examples are complete belts of various dates and condition but occasionally half a belt or parts come up. It's not instantaneous always but eventually almost everything you seek will show up. I've been watching for some rifle parts for years so patience is a real virtue. I'm currently after WWI belts, just got a complete dismounted belt two weeks ago. Now watching for a nice mounted belt. I check the WWII stuff occasionally just to see what's there.

[Mk VII]

I bought one many years ago that turned out to have the fabric rotted - the front buckle tore through the webbing. Might have some salvageable parts in it, if I can find it.

[CatBacker88]

Thank you!

[CatBacker88]

I bought one many years ago that turned out to have the fabric rotted - the front buckle tore through the webbing. Might have some salvageable parts in it, if I can find it.

No joy?

[Mk VII]

I will have to search in the garage, think that's where it probably is.