1862 pattern waist belt : Victorian Military Forces

Place Oceania: Australia, Victoria
Accession Number REL/18400.004
Collection type Heraldry
Object type Uniform
Physical description Buff leather, Nickel-plated brass
Maker Unknown
Date made c 1875 - 1893
Conflict Australian Colonial Forces, 1854-1900
Description

Buff leather waist belt (similar to the pattern described in the List of Changes 508 1862) with Other Ranks Victorian Military Forces nickel-plated brass union locket buckle. The belt is made from one piece of leather measuring 1 3/4 inches wide. A single nickel-plated brass buckle on the proper left side provides adjustment to the length of the belt. The belt is secured through the buckle to the proper right side with a leather thong. The locket (tongue) of the buckle depicts a Queen Victoria pattern crown. The circular surround has the words 'AUT PACE AUT BELLO VICTORIA' (In Peace and in War). A running loop lies at each end of the belt behind the buckle. A lanceolate leather safe is stitched to the proper left running loop. 'CMSD' and 'A 18' are stamped in ink on the reverse.

History / Summary

This belt has been associated with the uniform of an OR of the Victorian Metropolitan Rifles. Although volunteer rifle units were raised in Victoria as early as 1854, permanent forces were not established until 1870 following the withdrawal of British units. The motto 'AUT PACE AUT BELLO' on the belt buckle used by military forces of the Colony of Victoria is noted in the dress regulations of 1875. As the later motto 'PRO PATRIA ET DEO' (For God and Country) was introduced in 1893, this belt is likely to have been manufactured before this date.