British Army Rajputana Rifles Silver Officer’s Hallmarked Cross Belt

~ British Army Rajputana Rifles Silver Officer’s Hallmarked Cross Belt ~

The cross belt consists of an ammunition pouch & belt with silver fittings.

A silver Officers whistle with acanthus leaf decorations is attached to a lions head boss by three parallel chains.

The pouch has the Rifles standard silver hunting horn to the fore and an empty interior.

The main badge has the Kings crown with a plethora of battle honours to the arms of the cross and over the laurel wreath with ‘Bourbon’ being in the separate top banner and ‘RR’ to the centre.

The badge, whistle and boss are hallmarked for Birmingham 1935 with a makers stamp of ‘E S & S’. Even the rear lugs have the lion stamp for Sterling silver.

~ Rajputana Rifles ~

The Rajputana Rifles is the most senior rifle regiment of the Indian Army. It was originally raised in 1921 as part of the British Indian Army, when six previously existing regiments were amalgamated to form six battalions of the 6th Rajputana Rifles. In 1945 the numeral designation was dropped from the title and in 1947 the regiment was transferred to the newly independent Indian Army.

~ Cross Belts ~

In the British army the cross belt was originally used to carry a sword. With the introduction of specialised Rifle regiments the cross belt was adapted to carry an ammunition pouch and the whistle which was the main means of communication between officers and soldiers in the noise and heat of battle.

~ Dimensions ~

The belt has a total length of 44 inches (111.8 cm) and a height of 3 inches (7.5 cm). It weighs 605 g.

~ Condition ~

There is some minor wear/scuffing to the leather. The silver is in excellent order with clear hallmarks.