Very nice US Model 1921 officer's leather belt with shoulder strap. Commonly known as the Sam Browne belt. This belt was worn by US officers of the AEF in the Great War. It was not officially adopted by the US Army until 1921. The belt gradually evolved into the more fancy model, worn from the late 1920-s until the belt was discontinued in 1942/1943. Some US officers and generals, including George Patton, kept on wearing them. Complete with the shoulder strap. The latter offered support when a sword, or a handgun was carried on the belt. All brass hardware. There are following markings on leather; "Service Genuine Shell Cordovan" and "38". Shell cordovan was a high grade old school leather, which was expensive and time consuming to manufacture. The belt was made from two pieces of thin shell cordovan leather glued together (some parts need to be reglued). Very high quality of manufacturing! The belt was a part of my personal collection for many years. Length: 44.5 inch. Width: 2.25 inch. CONDITION: Fine. Shell cordovan leather is still soft and flexible. Strong, original stitching. Some parts of shell cordovan leather need to be reglued (typical for these belts).
