Toby Brayley Posted 18 February , 2019 Share Posted 18 February , 2019 A comparison of the rare MkI 1903 Bandoliers. These differ from the more common MkIIs with the use of a cast buckle with loop for the steadying strap. Both the 50 round Infantry and the 90 round cavalry Bandolier were superseded by the MkII in 1905 so its manufacture was rather short lived. The logistics of producing two different complex types of buckles, serving the same the task was soon stopped. BELOW: The MkI 90 Round (top) and the Mk1 50 round (bottom) both showing their unique style of buckles. In November 1905 the familiar simplified triangle style was adopted for both variants. Both bandoliers are 1903 dated examples so could only have been made between October and December 1903. BELOW: Pair of 15 round MkI Cartridge pocket, 1903 H.G.R manufactured examples. The brass loop on the rear is for the hook of the Greatcoat Carrier. It is seen loaded with 15 rounds of MKVI ammunition in the Mk1 Charger. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark holden Posted 19 February , 2019 Share Posted 19 February , 2019 Toby, Very useful thanks for sharing the photos. I have the MK1 buckle only sadly the bandolier is long gone. Regards Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toby Brayley Posted 20 February , 2019 Author Share Posted 20 February , 2019 Thanks Mark, if it is any consolation the buckle is the hardest part to find! Regards Toby Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toby Brayley Posted 28 March , 2019 Author Share Posted 28 March , 2019 (edited) "Boer Vs Brit." Earlier bandolier comparisons. "Boer" (Commercially made, often in the UK) 12 pocket, 60 Round Bondolier and British 1901 (land) Bandolier for comparison. These two bandoliers are often confused The Boer 12 pocket is beautifully made and named. The British 1901 , is a 190? Hepburn Gale and Ross example with later Union of South Africa markings. Sadly it is missing the steadying strap but the slot is visible, this is omitted on most commercial version. Note the tapered pockets on the commercial version compared to the straight on the 1901. The British version (designed for individual. 303s, not chargers like the Boer bandolier) should have a leather lace running through each pouch. Edited 28 March , 2019 by Toby Brayley Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toby Brayley Posted 28 March , 2019 Author Share Posted 28 March , 2019 Rendall Underwood made, Pattern 1889 (MkII LOC 8782), Mounted Infantry, 50 round Bandolier. This is a particularly fine example of the M.I Bandolier complete with the steadying strap. The .303 version first appears in the Lists of Changes in June 1889 (LOC 5873) and saw service not only with the M.I but with various units through all of the subsequent campaigns and well into the Great War with select units. British production of this style was to cease in 1901 with the introduction of the short lived 1901 (land) pattern, featured above. This example is named to a W.A Ingram, number E 517, as yet I have not been able to trace him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toby Brayley Posted 27 December , 2019 Author Share Posted 27 December , 2019 Leather Bandoliers of the British Army 1. Rendall Underwood made, Pattern 1889 (MkII LOC 8782), Mounted Infantry, 50 .303 round Bandolier. Named to W.A Ingram, number E 517 2. The short lived Pattern 1901 (land), 50 .303 round bandolier. 3. The very rare Pattern 1901 (Naval Accoutrements) Bandolier. 60 Rounds (5 in each pocket) .303, Note how the Royal Navy were preparing for Charger loading. The bandolier pre-dates CL by about 18 months. 4. Mk 1 Pattern 1903 9 pocket, 90 round cavalry bandolier. dated 1903. Note the very short lived Mk1 Buckle. 5. Mk 2 Pattern 1903 9 pocket, 90 round cavalry bandolier. dated 1905. Note the Mk11 Buckle 6. Mk 1 Pattern 1903 5 pocket, 50 round bandolier. dated 1903. 7. Mk 2 Pattern 1903 5 pocket, 50 round bandolier. dated 1906 and marked to the Yorkshire Hussars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4thGordons Posted 27 December , 2019 Share Posted 27 December , 2019 Fantastic display Toby - thank you for posting. I have examples of several of these, and one that is similar to No1 but the rounds are grouped into 5s if I recall correctly - I will see if I can dig it out. Might I pick your brains on the pattern of this one? Worn by a Naval Landing/Boarding party. As you can see they are armed with MLEs. And this (Candian) variant which shows different shape and construction of pockets/tabs. Any idea on the official designation of this or is it simply a manufacturing variant? Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4thGordons Posted 27 December , 2019 Share Posted 27 December , 2019 Here is the other one I mentioned above. Unfortunately the leather is very stiff and damaged so the pics are a little awkward but hopefully you can get the idea. It has 5 groups of 5 rounds covered by a single flap, a simple triangular joiner and buckle. I tried to show the stitching on the reverse. It is, as far as I can see, unmarked - although there may be one circular stamp. on the tongue (visible just to the right of the buckle below - but I am not certain this is any sort of manufacturer mark. There is no steadying loop present. Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chasemuseum Posted 28 December , 2019 Share Posted 28 December , 2019 The naval gear is the m1891 naval landing party equipment. These are examples of the 25round bandolier. If used, usually two, one over the front of the waist belt and the second bandolier fashion clipped to a stud on the suspenders. These could also be used as a traditional bandolier with two strapped together and slung over the shoulder without the rest of the equipment. They were widely used in the Boer War and the Boxer rebellion. This equipment set was still in widespread use by Dominion naval forces through WW1. Newfoundland Naval Reserve during WW1. Royal Australian Naval personnel on parade in Sydney in late 1916. Here the 1891 rig is being worn without the 25round bandoliers. The rifles are a mixture of the Lee-Metford Mk II .303 rifle and the SMLE No1 rifle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4thGordons Posted 28 December , 2019 Share Posted 28 December , 2019 Excellent images - thanks! Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toby Brayley Posted 5 January , 2020 Author Share Posted 5 January , 2020 (edited) On 27/12/2019 at 18:51, 4thGordons said: I missed these! I am totally unfamiliar with this style, I have not seen it before. I think perhaps a comercail maker. I have the similar makers circle on some early South African commercial bandoliers. I will do some further digging, thank you for sharing! Regards Toby Edited 5 January , 2020 by Toby Brayley Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toby Brayley Posted 4 July , 2020 Author Share Posted 4 July , 2020 "Mk1" P1889 .303 Bandolier. The .303 (as apposed to the .577/450 for the Martini Henry) version first appears in the Lists of Changes in June 1889 (LOC 5873), in 1896 the Bandolier was shortened, the length of the tubes reduced and the studs were no mounted directly on the tubes, (LOC 8782), becoming the MkII. I have included the MkII bandolier for comparison, note the length and placement of the tubes on the MkI, there is also a distinct curve to the MkII. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve1871 Posted 28 August , 2020 Share Posted 28 August , 2020 Excellent photos and info. Will be a long time before I go home to take pics of mine. I also have a Naval 1901. Black overall. I thought was just age/oil and all. So were they talked black originally? Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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