US M36 Belt Markings?

[Flying10uk]

I have these 2 US M36 pistol belts that both came from a vendor in the former Soviet Union and therefore former "Lend-Lease" items and appear unissued. The only marking on both belts is the "US" on each belt that can be seen. Neither belt appears to have a maker mark. I am confident that both are genuine WW2 belts but since purchasing them I have become aware that some collectors are questioning the marking originality on certain items of US kit coming out of the former Soviet Union, such as is found on belts and pouches for example.

I have looked for advice online but it is very confusing when collectors/experts do not agree amongst themselves on what are genuine and what are fake markings.

I have read some express the view that Russian Lend-Lease US M36 pistol belts should have "US" and the maker's mark or no markings at all but I have no idea if this is correct.

I wouldn't have thought that Russia would have been that fussy what markings were on the kit and if they didn't like any markings they could have been painted out.

Any thoughts/opinions on this, please? Many thanks.

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