Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. The Browning M1918 Automatic Rifle was issued to doughboys of the AEF during the last few month of World War One. The weapon's name, Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR), is a post war term. During World War I, the M1918 was known as the Light Browning or the Browning Machine Rifle. The early Brownings were an improvement over the French made Chauchat Light Machine gun which was used by the doughboys during most of their time in the war.
The Light Brownings used 20 round magazines and special accouterments were manufactured to carry the gunner's ammunition. This is the standard belt used by Light Browning gunners, manufactured by the Long Company in May 1918. The metal cup seen between the BAR magazine pocket and the pistol magazine pocket was used to steady the BAR when fired from the hip. The butt stock of the BAR was placed inside the cup when the BAR was fired. The cup was found to be impractical and many belts were modified by removal of the cup.
This example is offered in very good condition, and does not appear to have been used much at all. It does have a break in the male blacked brass buckle loop, as shown, which could be easily brazed back together. We have left it as is to preserve the authenticity.
The pouches and belt are all maker marked L.C.C. & CO., for L.C. Chase Co. of Watertown, Massachusetts, and have 1918 dates after this. The two pouches also indicate which is the left pouch, and which is the right. There also looks to be an inspection stamp of L.C.C. / 65 on both pouches.
Aside from the broken buckle, this is more or less the best example of this style belt that you will find. Don't miss out!
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
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