Original U.S. WWII Garand and Springfield M1923 Ammunition Belt - Dated 1945

Original Item: One only. This is a 1945 dated original US Army issue OD Green canvas 10-Pocket ammunition belt for use with both Springfield and Garand Rifles. Officially designated the "Belt, Cartridge, Cal .30, Dismounted, M-1923", it was originally adopted when stocks of the M-1910 belt were exhausted after World War I. The belt was designed as part of the infantryman's load carrying system, anchoring the M-1910 haversack and later the M-1928 infantry pack. It has ten pockets for clips of .30-caliber ammunition for the M1903 Springfield, M-1917 Enfield, and later M1 Garand rifle. The M1903 and M1917 rifles using 5 round stripper clips (two per pocket, total of 100 rounds) while the M1 Garand used a single eight shot clip per pocket (total 80 rounds).

This version of the belt has an additional securing strap inside each pocket, which provides additional security for Garand En Bloc clips, or in the case of stripper clips, prevents the second stripper clip from falling out when the first one is removed.

Three part construction, with belt sizing strap in center of back, originals are very hard to find on the market today. This belt saw service late in the war, and possibly post war, but overall is still in excellent condition and does no show any major wear or damage. It is manufacturer marked but we are unfortunately not able to make out the name. All snaps are in functional condition with excellent patina.