RVC pouch belt whistle chains

[Tiger Pete]

Hi all,

Perhaps not a badge question per se, I would like to understand whether there is any specific significance attached to the number of chains used to attach a WM/silver whistle to the lion head on a rifle volunteer pouch belt.

I don't mean for units that have their own unique devices but simply, why do some whistle chains consist of two chains and some three (usually shorter) chains?

Does this depend on the unit, rank, personal preference or maker's differences? Is this described in any regulation (I haven't found it)?

Any input would be gratefully received!

For reference, I attach a photo of a pouch belt with three short chains.

Kind Regards,

Pete

[billy]

Could it be to extend the chain if required? You then have similar links? Look forward to finding out if there is a Regimental reason?

[Tiger Pete]

Hi Billy,

Thanks for your reply. I should have said that all three chains are seperate and are each attached to a single ring at each end with all of the links very well closed-up and welded/brazed shut.

The example in the picture has MM, 'HOBSON AND SONS LEXINGTON STREET LONDON' on the reverse of the plate for the lions head, dating this example to after 1880.

[manchesters]

I dont know the reason but is there a badge on the belt?

The reason I ask is it looks more Indian Army than RVC to me.

regards

[Tiger Pete]

Hi Simon,

Thanks, that's something that I'd not considered. The seller suggested Artist's Rifles and just now doing a quick Google search shows that many rifĺes units had/have three chains, so this may actually be the answer but I stand to be corrected.

KR,

Pete.

[Mike H]

Duck,spanner in the air.

The Light Infantry :- Once the Officers crossbelt was introduced around 1972,the lions mask has 3 chains to the whistle. But the Sjts lions mask only has 2 chains and are far longer to allow the whistle to be tucked into the black belt.The lions masks are different too,the Offrs has bolt fittings and a circular plate. The Sjts ,no plate and the fittings are part of the mask pressing,with a single hole to allow a wire to hold to the sash.

[grenadierguardsman]

Originally Posted by Tiger Pete

Hi all,

Perhaps not a badge question per se, I would like to understand whether there is any specific significance attached to the number of chains used to attach a WM/silver whistle to the lion head on a rifle volunteer pouch belt.

I don't mean for units that have their own unique devices but simply, why do some whistle chains consist of two chains and some three (usually shorter) chains?

Does this depend on the unit, rank, personal preference or maker's differences? Is this described in any regulation (I haven't found it)?

Any input would be gratefully received!

For reference, I attach a photo of a pouch belt with three short chains.

Kind Regards,

Pete

Ive no idea Pete, but they are very nice indeed.
Andy

[Tiger Pete]

Thanks all for your replies and expanding my understanding in this area.

Looking a bit more closely at the imprints left by the original badges, they are Edwardian Artist's Rifles which fits with the post-1880 date for the whistle chain. I'll post some more photos later on.

KR,

Pete.

[Lancer 17]

G'day Pete

Ive had a look at my 1900 Dress regulations and with out going back and quoting all the different paragraphs, it gets down to "As per Regimental Pattern".

So it seems that the Rifle Regiments used 3 chains, probably hall marked silver, of what ever length they thought was a good idea.

Sorry there are no illustrations or more detailed information.

Regards

Phil.

[manchesters]

All the Rifle Volunteer Corps Pouch Belts I have owned have had 2 chains and not 3.

regards