[Robthereiver]

Stephen

The use of Stirrup Buckles on Stable Belts was I think more wide spread than might be thought, and I have seen them on 8H, 1RD, QRIH and others (have to check my notes) , but today I believe they are limited to the QRH, although there are also plain roller buckle versions in circulation.

Their general disappearance I think would have been due to rising costs, and as I'm sure you'll be aware these are private purchase items usually obtained from the PRI.

As for dating, I don't think you can be very precise as Regiments adopted the wear of Stable Belts at different times.
In general they were widely adopted post WWII, however some Regiments did much earlier, in 1920's/1930's particularly in India, others as late as the 1960's.
However, I think these buckles were worn more commonly on the earlier belts IMO and your belt I'd suggest is from the Post WWII period.
Hope this helps and if I find out more on 4/7RDG I'll post it.

Rob