Special Air Service Stable Belt.

[leigh kitchen]

Aquired around 1979/80 (possibly a year or two earlier) a SAS stable belt with crudely cast locket.
Around that time I'd heard that stable belts with poor quality castings were sourced from an Indian manufacturer and being used by SAS, so this ugly piece of work could've been one of those.
Then again, that story could be a load of rubbish.
I just can't remember how legitimate that explanation was at the time, although I think it was "army gossip".
Anybody know if this belt is "genuine" or just a very poorly made "fake"?

[engr9266]

To be honest it looks a very poor quality made clasp. I hope you find a definite answer.
Jerry

[rhodesianmilitaria]

If the SAS wore that I'll fly you to Australia and you can beat me to death with an empty waterbag.

[leigh kitchen]

Or across the soles of the feet with a scented leather boot lace?

[badgecollector]

hey guys
i also doubt the SAS would have worn such a poor quality item??
heres mine. different shape to Leighs.
does this represent a different period or nationality?
this was purchased as australian?
bc

[leigh kitchen]

Certainly a far better quality item than the one I have.

[Frank Kelley]

In Business Class, Peter?

Originally Posted by rhodesianmilitaria

If the SAS wore that I'll fly you to Australia and you can beat me to death with an empty waterbag.

[leigh kitchen]

Sydney via Bankok?

[Colin S]

The poor quality version originally posted by Leigh was the type sold by Du Boras in Aldershot in the early 1980s. It’s a poor quality casting of a Victors made locket.

The later different design and better quality version was made by Hobsons - as far as I know it has never been worn by the British SAS but I’m told that it has been worn by the NZSAS.

[leigh kitchen]

Thanks for that - which of the two versions do you think was never worn by British SAS please?
(There's a flight to Australia and a flogging riding on your answer - choose wisely and I'm willing to downgrade my Business Class flight to two Cattle Class if you fancy a trip - you bring the water bag).

[Colin S]

Originally Posted by leigh kitchen

Thanks for that - which of the two versions do you think was never worn by British SAS please?
(There's a flight to Australia and a flogging riding on your answer - choose wisely and I'm willing to downgrade my Business Class flight to two Cattle Class if you fancy a trip - you bring the water bag).

The one posted by Badgecollector was never worn by the Brits. As to the one that started this thread I have no idea whether they were ever worn, so I can’t help with the flights or the promised water bag experience.....sorry!

[leigh kitchen]

Darn - a Whippet Bus and a sponge bath it is then.
So basically my stable belt is a "genuine" one as far as these private purchase things go in that it was offered for sale back in the 80'.
Looks the sort of thing that would be avoided by those entitled to wear it but perhaps aquired by wannabees to impress the girls.

[Mike H]

Originally Posted by leigh kitchen

Darn - a Whippet Bus and a sponge bath it is then.
So basically my stable belt is a "genuine" one as far as these private purchase things go in that it was offered for sale back in the 80'.
Looks the sort of thing that would be avoided by those entitled to wear it but perhaps aquired by wannabees to impress the girls.

As i recall,Du Boras wasnt the cheapest place to shop. Are they still there ?
I thought all stable belts were privately purchased.
A guy i served in the TA with was ex 23 . Yet he wore an RE belt with an Airborne locket (pegasus) rather than the winged dagger. Yet im sure i never saw him wearing any type of wings.

[grey_green_acorn]

From DuBora of Aldershot September 1996 catalogue:

STABLE BELT S.A.S. blue canvas with chrome buckle £14.50

Tim

[leigh kitchen]

Yes, stable belts were (are still?) private purchase, although not having one wasn't an option - you bought one and that was that.