WW2 Original U.S. M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) 2nd Assistant Gunner 6-Pocket Khaki Canvas Magazine Belt made by Plant Bros. & Co.
SKU: 961
Original/Reproduction: Original
Availability: In-Stock
Manufacturer: Plant Bros. & Co.
Date Manufactured: 1940's
Model: Size / Dimensions:
Materials / Construction: Khaki Canvas, Brass Star-Pull Fasteners
Condition: Mint
Price: $200.00
Seller Type: WW2C
Seller ID: JMW
Seller Code: TP75
Return Policy: 3-day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories.
Description
This is an original World War II U.S. M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) 2nd Assistant Gunner Magazine Belt, manufactured by Plant Bros. & Co. (P.B. & Co.). This is an excellent example of the specialized web equipment used by U.S. Army BAR teams during the WWII period.
The belt is constructed of heavy-duty khaki cotton canvas webbing and features six double-capacity magazine pockets, providing storage for a total of twelve 20-round detachable box magazines for the Browning Automatic Rifle. Each pocket is equipped with its original brass Lift-the-Dot fastener, designed to keep the magazines securely retained while permitting rapid access in the field.
BAR Team Equipment
The Browning Automatic Rifle served as the squad automatic weapon of U.S. infantry units during World War II. BAR teams normally consisted of the automatic rifleman supported by assistant personnel who helped carry ammunition and maintain a steady supply of loaded magazines. Specialized magazine belts such as this example were an important part of that ammunition-carrying system.
This 2nd Assistant Gunner belt provided substantial additional ammunition capacity, with its six pouches accommodating two 20-round BAR magazines each for a total capacity of twelve magazines.
Manufacturer
The belt bears the P.B. & Co. manufacturer's marking, identifying production by Plant Bros. & Co., a wartime contractor of U.S. military web equipment.
Construction & Features
- Period: World War II
- Country: United States
- Weapon: M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR)
- Type: 2nd Assistant Gunner Magazine Belt
- Manufacturer: Plant Bros. & Co.
- Marking: P.B. & Co.
- Material: Khaki cotton canvas/webbing
- Configuration: Six magazine pouches
- Capacity: Twelve 20-round BAR magazines
- Closures: Original brass Lift-the-Dot fasteners
- Condition: Excellent / Unissued
Condition
This original WWII BAR magazine belt remains in excellent, apparently unissued condition. The khaki canvas is exceptionally well preserved, and the individual magazine pouches remain clean and intact. The brass Lift-the-Dot snaps are present and functional, adding considerably to the completeness and display quality of the belt.
An outstanding piece of original WWII U.S. Army infantry field equipment and a particularly desirable accessory for an M1918 BAR display, U.S. infantry mannequin, ammunition display, or advanced collection of American World War II militaria.
