Original Items: Only One Set Available. Recently acquired at a military show, these are genuine U.S. WWII Issue items. Here we have a lovely Holster, Belt and Ammo Pouch rig for the .38 Smith & Wesson .38 Hand Ejector Model of 1899 with a 4 inch barrel, better known as the "Victory Model." These were issued during WWI and WWII, and this represents a typical setup.

The set consists of the following:

• Original WWII issue Leather holster for the 4" barrel S&W .38cal "Victory" revolver. It is unmarked but totally correct and original to the period.
• Original WWII issue M1936 pistol belt field modified with 12 leather ammo loops: The belt shows moderate wear from service, with oxidation on the fittings. The markings are worn away, and the stitching at one end of the leather loops has pulled.
• Original WWII issue 6 round Cartridge pouch, marked PROPERTY U.S. NAVY. This is a simple pouch with 6 loops, that then folds up using two snaps to secure the ammunition. The inner securing snap is missing the "male" portion, while the outer flap still has both snaps.

This is a beautiful and iconic belt rig set up from the U.S. Navy! Comes more than ready to be displayed.

The United States Army in World War II had a distinct advantage over the Axis when it came to equipment. Both in terms of quality and quantity the power of American industry kept the GI’s well supplied.

For a Soldier, equipment is a matter of survival. Even something as simple as a button can make the difference between victory and defeat if it fails to function properly at the wrong time. For this reason Soldiers have a strong tendency to become attached to equipment they like, and to modify or discard equipment they find unreliable or useless. Among the Infantry, who have to carry their equipment wherever they go, this tendency is even stronger.

Soldiers must carry everything they need for combat operations with them at all times. Individual load carrying equipment is designed to allow the Soldier to carry a basic load of ammunition, food, water, and first-aid gear. The exact make-up of this load varies from conflict to conflict. In more modern times the load has grown to include additional equipment such as gas masks, maps, compasses, and radios. Because of the cost of replacing equipment for Soldiers is high, equipment is usually replaced in phases, with front-line troops receiving the new equipment first. Support units typically receive equipment later as older equipment wears out or becomes obsolete. Because of this, Soldiers in World War II went to war using several different versions of the basic load bearing gear.