1901 Pattern Naval bayonet frog : Victorian Naval Reserve

Brown vegetable-tanned leather 1901 Pattern naval bayonet frog (described in List of Changes 11110 8 August 1901 and 28 February 1902). The frog is made from three pieces of leather: the loop which passes over the belt, the front of the frog and the back. It measures 7 inches in length. The loop is secured to the back with a brass domed stud which allows the loop to swivel on the belt. The front is secured to the back with six tin plated copper rivets and washers. The frog has an opening cut with a straight horizontal top and an ovoid underneath to take the Pattern 1888 bayonet or a cutlass. The edges of the leather have a decorative incised edge. A circular stamp with the words 'NAVAL RESERVE' around the outer edge and 'VIC' in the centre has been made on the front on the belt loop and the front of the frog. 'CGHF' (Commonwealth Government Harness Factory) with a line and broad arrow underneath and the number '788' have also been stamped on the front.

The Victorian Naval Brigade was first formed in 1859 and contained a high proportion of ex-Royal Navy men. Service was part time and unpaid. The Brigade was trained in infantry and artillery drill, both ashore and aboard ship and supplemented a small permanent navy which was formed in 1867. The Brigade was divided into Williamstown and Sandridge (Port Melbourne) divisions. This force was disbanded in 1904.