Unknown Bandolier

[BritishHelmetSeller]

I've recently been going through my loft and found the below bandolier, as well as a 1903 pattern bandolier.

I have no idea what it is, or where it is from; it is all leather, except the sides of the pouches appear to be canvas.

Anyone know what it is, what era & what country of origin?

Thanks in advance guys!

[militarymania]

i have always thought that these were Australian or maybe Canadian,,,i still havent found out after all these years exactly where they come from..:confused

[BritishHelmetSeller]

From WW1 then?

[lee edwards]

there was one of these posted a while ago i think it was identified as swiss

[Vegard T]

I think they are swedish, not sure about the age though.

[BritishHelmetSeller]

Presumably leather webbing/bandoliers would be pre WW2 though?

[ILH]

AAAAAAAAAAH! these bleedin things......I first met them around 1990 when at a surplus wholesaler- 5 scrap yard type, forklift crates full of mouldy ones and 3 pallets of unissued... 3 for £10 and still no takers.

Swedish ammunition waist belt (not bandolier) for 1895model Mauser. The buckles on the back attach to a yoke. 2 versions, 4 or 5 pouch. Many marked with three crowns of Sweden.
Date of first manufacture uncertain, but between 1895 and 1914.
Date of last manufacture uncertain, approximately 1950 when they were sold to the Argentinians.

I have a postcard of Belgian soldiers wearing them in the early 1920s, otherwise I wouldn't accept a description without evidence.

This ex ebay vigilante has seen them sold as Boer war (one in a museum without provenance!), WW1, Canadian, Australian/ New Zealand/ South African- Light Horse, Mexican, Home Gaurd, and IRA-1916......... ALL WRONG.

There is one other "genuine" use...... Star Wars Jawa Raider/sandperson

Hope that clears that up!
Jim.

[CampX]

These are NOT Canadian!!!
Don't know what they are though.

Dean

[BritishHelmetSeller]

Cheers guys, I take it they are quite common then!