Pattern 37 Gear

[Aragorn243]

And it STILL is not an economy belt. Now I suppose we could debate what is economy measures all day which would be pointless. This belt has one non-standard feature not done for economy but so manufacturers without the capacity to weave the hook openings could still manufacture the belts. All brass fittings are present. True economy belts used less metal and steel fittings rather than brass. It was to save war materials and this practice started in 1943. This is a 1941 belt. Only two companies had the ability to integral weave the belts, so these belts are not uncommon either, this is standard early war production for all companies besides Mills and M Wright and Sons. These contracts were awarded starting in 1939 as the war started and Mills and M Wright couldn't meet demand.