Rifle Cartridge Belts, Wartime manufactured
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M1910 Dismounted Rifle Cartridge Belts
The belt on the left was manufactured by the Mills company in June 1919, though it is identical to the belts manufactured by Mills during 1917-1918. The belt on the left was manufactured by Russell, dated Nov 1918. The Russell company also manufactured cartridge belts using a woven method similar to Mills. Note how the pockets on the Russell belt are not as severely puckered as those on the Mills belt.
M1917 Dismounted Rifle Cartridge Belt
This variation manufactured by Long in June 1918 is often called the "wartime construction" belt because it is not made from woven canvas like the Mills and Russell belts.
M1914 Mounted Rifle Cartridge Belt
The M1914 Mounted Rifle Cartridge belt was fielded to equip soldiers who carried the Colt M1911 .45 automatic pistol in addition to their rifle. A typical wartime manufactured belt, made by Russell in Feb 1918 is shown. Pre 1917 belts used lift the dot snaps. Each belt has nine pockets for Springfield rifle clips and a space for a .45 Pistol magazine pocket. Although mounted soldiers were only authorized to wear this belt, it was not uncommon for Infantrymen who carried a .45 to wear this belt as well.
M1918 Mounted Rifle Cartridge Belt
This is an example of the simplified M1918 Mounted belt The belt on the right was manufactured by Long, dated Aug 1918.
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