Belgian FD-D/BAR machinegunners webbing set, surplus

The Belgian version of the American BAR belt, a wide canvas belt with large fixed pockets and suspenders. We once had a handful of these and thought that would be it. However, this small batch was still discovered. It might go quite quickly, too though.

In the 1930s, the Belgians started producing their own version of the famous American BAR light machine gun. The first version was known as FM 30, Fusil-mitrailleur 1930. After some development, the FN D light machine gun was born.

To go along with it, Belgians needed a webbing belt big enough for the magazines. Like the FN-D itself, the belt was copied from the original with minor changes. Most noticeably this belt comes with a pair of suspenders and an empty spot on the left side of the buckle. After the adoption of the belt-fed FN MAG, these old stalwarts were phased out of active service in the 60s.

Features

These come with fixed but adjustable X-type suspenders and four large mag pouches with lift-the-dot snaps for two BAR magazines each. Some belts (but not all) have a small pouch, probably for a cleaning kit, or an additional fifth magazine pouch.

Along the upper and lower edge of the belt, there are attachment grommets for American type M-1910 wire hangers. This is quite a hefty belt with a large capacity already on its own. However, with the M-1910 hanger pouches, you can take along everything necessary and then some: bayonets, water bottles, lots more ammo pouches, and this and that exciting! The wide design is a guarantee for comfort, so it won’t bite into your love handles like a conventional webbing belt.

Materials

Made from thick, tough cotton canvas, just like most good old military gear. The durability hasn’t been compromised by minimizing the weight, which sadly is the case with a lot of military equipment these days.

Condition

Used, faded, and repaired if needed but still perfectly serviceable. Good tough stuff is made to last. Some of these are a bit darker, some a bit lighter in color.