The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
Buff leather waist belt (similar to the pattern described in the List of Changes 508 1862) with Other Ranks Victorian Military Forces nickel-plated brass union locket buckle. The belt is made from one piece of leather measuring 1 3/4 inches wide. A single nickel-plated brass buckle on the proper left side provides adjustment to the length of the belt. The belt is secured through the buckle to the proper right side with a leather thong. The locket (tongue) of the buckle depicts a Queen Victoria pattern crown. The circular surround has the words 'AUT PACE AUT BELLO VICTORIA' (In Peace and in War). A running loop lies at each end of the belt behind the buckle. A lanceolate leather safe is stitched to the proper left running loop. 'CMSD' and 'A 18' are stamped in ink on the reverse.
This belt has been associated with the uniform of an OR of the Victorian Metropolitan Rifles. Although volunteer rifle units were raised in Victoria as early as 1854, permanent forces were not established until 1870 following the withdrawal of British units. The motto 'AUT PACE AUT BELLO' on the belt buckle used by military forces of the Colony of Victoria is noted in the dress regulations of 1875. As the later motto 'PRO PATRIA ET DEO' (For God and Country) was introduced in 1893, this belt is likely to have been manufactured before this date.
Buff leather waist belt (similar to the pattern described in the List of Changes 508 1862) with Other Ranks Victorian Military Forces brass union locket buckle. The belt is made from one piece of leat
Buff leather waist belt (similar to the pattern described in the List of Changes 508 1862) with Other Ranks Victorian Military Forces brass union locket buckle. The belt is made from one piece of leat
Buff leather waist belt (similar to the pattern described in the List of Changes 508 1862) with Other Ranks Victorian Military Forces nickel-plated brass union locket buckle. The belt is made from one
Buff leather waist belt (similar to the pattern described in the List of Changes 508 1862) with Other Ranks Victorian Military Forces brass union locket buckle. The belt is made from one piece of leat
Buff leather waist belt, Valise Equipment 1882 (Mark III) pattern (described in List of Changes 3994 13 January 1882) with Victorian Other Ranks nickel-plated cast brass union locket buckle. The belt
Officer's buff leather undress sword belt with sword slings (of unidentified cavalry pattern) with Officer's Victorian Military Forces cast and fabricated brass union locket buckle. The belt is made f
