British Victorian Belt

[sturgis]

Hi all.
Anyone have any knowledge on Victorian issue belts ?
I came across this on last weekend. Its well used and looks as though it was used for many years after its service life, but its all there.
Buckle is worn and has had a strengthening plate riveted and soldered on.
Its marked to Hobson & Sons, Lexington St., London.
Would like to know value as well as history of this type of belt.
Cheers.
Rich

[sturgis]

2

2

[dragnet]

With white metal buckle and fittings possible militia usage.

[peter monahan]

This style of belt, with the 'locket' buckle was introduced in the 1850s - in brown, I believe, and variations of it were worn up to WWI, especially in the Militia. The Slade-Wallace pattern of 1881 had a very similar belt but with a series of buckles on the top edge to connect it to the various equipment straps. The plain belts, brown or whitened, were common for 'walkng out' dress even when the field equipment differed.

Hobson and Sons was established in 1850 and is still in existance. They were a major supplier of buttons and other accouterments, produced officers' uniforms and, clearly, had contracts for buckles if not the belts themselves. They moved to Lexington Street in 1880 and operated there until the turn of the century, so that dates your belt to the period 1880-1900[ish].

I hope this helps.

[sturgis]

Thanks.
Its completely out of my sphere of collecting so dont need it. Anyone have an idea of value?
Rich

[peter monahan]

Can't help there, I'm afraid. Wrong side of the ocean and out of touch with prices but somewhere between L40 and L60 would be my guess.

[sturgis]

Thanks...will probably ebay it..
Rich