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Good afternoon all,

I recently purchased this 45 loop .303 bandolier / waist belt, mainly because it had maker's marks for Lyle Bros, Maritzburg, who were saddlers at the time of the Anglo-Boer War.
It was described as Naval Brigade, but as far as I am aware the regulation carriers for the Navy were 25 loop affairs which were used in pairs (buckled together) when employed on the waist (see post below).
The large central buckle is perplexing, as are the two smaller angled buckles. I am not even sure which way up it should be. The orientation of the retailer's details suggests that the small buckles should be on the upper side, but Naval Brigade carriers were used the way up shown in the photograph (with cartridge rims flush with the top of the belt). Small indents along the top edge of the belt, suggest that cartridges were indeed inserted this way round.
The seller had a second belt of identical construction, but for Martini .45 rounds.

The Natal Naval Volunteers might be a candidate.

Any thoughts or ideas welcome.



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Naval Brigade carrier for comparison ......



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