Cape Mounted or Rural Police Officer belt?

[sabrigade]

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I recently purchased this item on ebay. The seller obtained it from an old lady in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Any comments will be welcomed.

[Sonofacqms]

This is an interesting item, made by Holt of London, I think it is a Norfolk Yeomanry crossbelt, the badge is EviiR and I would think it was possibly taken to South Africa by a person who had served in this unit.

[sabrigade]

Thanks for the reply and interest. In Colin R. Owen's definitive work - "The Military Badges and Insignia of Southern Africa", he lists the same badge as seen on the pouch but in White Metal. He describes it as " Cape Rural Police, white metal pouch badge worn 1902 - 1913", it appears as no 1814 in the book. The source of the item also purchased a South African Police cap with the early 1913 to 1926 badge on it from the same person he bought the belt from. Apparently, the previous owner was a very early member of the South African Police on its formation in April, 1913.

[Sonofacqms]

Well, there's a good chance the man emigrated to South Africa pre 1913 and joined the S.A police when it was formed. This is pure supposition without a name to put to the items. Very often a persons service history can be seen purely by the artefacts that are left behind when they pass on. I always try to put a name to badges if possible, but this is a very rare occurrence as dealers/sellers are not generally interested.

I expect that this item was a private purchase, hence it being taken abroad by the owner.

[sabrigade]

I agree, it is very difficult to confirm or attribute some items, specifically badges. Sellers will also not usually disclose their sources so that more possible detail can be gleaned or requested as to the history or names of the previous owners. Thanks for the reply and interest.

[Traist]

Hi William, did you ever get to the bottom of this and be able to positively ID it? Regards Andrew

[Milmed]

Hi William,
This is the pattern of pouch and belt as worn by Royal Army Medical Corps officers. This was worn from Victorian period through George V. Only difference between the periods been the pouch badge. This one as worn during reign of Edward VII. See pictures of others belts and pouches.

The regulars with gilt badge and braid, and volunteers with silver badge and braid.

Hope this solves the mystery.
Steven