Other Ranks 1888 Pattern (Mark II) Valise Equipment waist belt : Victorian Military Forces

Buff leather waist belt, 1888 Pattern (Mark II) Valise Equipment (described in List of Changes 6504 March, April and June 1891) with Victorian Other Ranks cast brass union locket buckle. The belt is 1 3/4 inches wide and made in three sections joined with two sewn-in brass loops. There is an adjustable billet and brass buckle at each end so the length can be adjusted while keeping the loops in their proper positions for braces when worn. Three brass buckles are secured along the centre back of the belt between two layers of stitched leather. The two outer buckles attach to braces when worn and the centre one attaches to a mess tin strap. A running loop with a brass ‘D’ is provided at each end of the belt for the front of the brace to pass through. The belt has a tapered, waist-shaped safe (tongue) behind the buckle which the belt loops through.The locket (tongue) of the buckle depicts a crown similar to St Edward's and used during Queen Victoria's reign. The circular surround has the words ‘AUT PACE AUT BELLO VICTORIA’ (In Peace and in War). The belt is stamped in ink on the inside with a large broad arrow and two facing broad arrows (indicating that it was the property of the War Department), and two number '16?'6' and '329?'.

The 1888 Pattern Valise Equipment was also known as the Slade-Wallace equipment, after its two designers, Colonel Slade and Major (later Lieutenant-Colonel) Wallace. The complete equipment consisted of a waist belt, two ammunition pouches, a pair of braces with movable buckles and a keeper, two greatcoat straps, one mess-tin strap, and one valise to carry clothing, cutlery and other personal equipment. This pattern was issued to British and colonial forces but was replaced with 1903 Bandolier equipment after its performance was criticised in the Boer War. The 1888 Pattern equipment was in service at most for 15 years though some parts such as waist belts, were retained for ceremonial purposes. The Mk II pattern waist belt varies from the Mark I in that the belt is made of three sections of leather joined by brass rings and not one piece as in the original pattern, and the three buckles of the back section are secured within a double-thickness of leather. Buckles in the original pattern were sewn into individual leather pockets. In 1893 the Victorian Military Forces adopted the motto 'PRO PATRIA ET DEO VICTORIA' (For God and Country) and waist belts made from this date use an updated locket. However the older version of the waist belt would have continued to be worn for some years until replaced.

• 1888 Pattern Valise Equipment braces and straps : British and colonial forces
• 1888 Pattern (Mark II) Valise Equipment ammunition pouch : British and colonial forces
• 1888 Pattern (Mark III) Valise Equipment ammunition pouch : British and colonial forces
• 1888 Pattern Valise Equipment strap : British and colonial forces