BELT
Geography
Prince Edward Island, Canada
Dimensions85 x 5.3 cm
Object numberHF.70.2891.1
DescriptionBlack leather belt with a steel buckle that is attached to a tab which is fastened to the belt by rivets. Also known as a Sam Browne belt. There are holes punched through the elongated tabs which is machine stitched to the opposite end. There are two straps that are attached vertically to the belt. The long one has holes punched in the end section and the short one has a small steel buckle. There is a metal hook attached above the short strap by a steel ring.Narrative
The Sam Browne belts were named after Sir General Samuel James Browne. After losing his left arm while serving in India, he developed this style of belt with an additional cross-body strap which replaced the need of the left hand holding the scabbard steady while retrieving it with the right hand. This type of belt became more popular during the Boer War and eventually became part of the Canadian military uniform prior to the First World War.??
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