Officer's shoulder belt with pouch : Ballarat Rangers

Officer's black patent leather shoulder belt and pouch (as described in the Dress Regulations of the Victorian Forces 1873). The belt is cut from a single piece of 2 1/2 inch wide leather measuring 36 1/2 inches in length. At each end, a tab of leather has been stitched to the underside of the belt and holds a nickel-plated brass stud. This tab passes through the loops on the pouch before being secured to the stud. The black patent (or enamel) has then been applied over the outer surface and covers the stitch marks. The breast ornaments attached to the centre front of the belt include a lion's head with two linked chains to a whistle with keeper. Between these lie the regimental badge of a bugle surrounded by a garter with the words 'BALLARAT RANGERS'. Above this lies a separate Queen Victoria pattern crown badge. The black patent leather pouch, with two internal pockets, has a bugle badge surmounted by a Queen Victoria pattern crown attached to the front flap. The pouch is secured with a short pointed billet with a circular hole that fits over a stud affixed at the lower back edge. The end of the billet fits under a short horizontal strap sewn onto the back of the pouch. 3/4-inch wide infantry pattern silver lace in two rows with a crimson silk stripe between has been stitched around the edge of the front flap. Cast acanthus leaf-styled fittings with a fixed ring and a rectangular loop have been secured to each side of the pouch. These take the ends of the shoulder belt.

The Ballarat Volunteer Rifle Regiment was established on 21 July 1858 as four companies of infantry and two of Light Horse. The Light Horse later became a separate entity as Ballarat troop, The Prince of Wales Victorian Volunteer Light Horse Regiment. On 24 August 1858, they were renamed the Ballarat Rangers. Following disbandment of the original regiment, it was re-established as the 3rd Battalion, Victorian Rifles on 21 January 1884.