A FINE AFGHAN WARRIORS BELT

Rarely encountered, comprising a large, rectangular buckle and numerous mounts, all of solid silver, variously profiled and en graved en suite, with two pairs of pouches, mounted on a broad leather waistband with shoulder-strap mounted en suite, together with a pair of aword slings. Second half of the 19th century. Minor wear. Based upon the belt designed by Captain Sam Browne, 2nd Punjab Irregular Cavalry, during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Captain Browne lost an arm charging a cannon position in 1858, for which he received the Victoria Cross. To compensate for this disability, he later added a shoulder strap to his belt, which allowed him to draw his saber with one hand. The Sam Browne belt, as it became known, was adopted by the British military soon after. It also gaining immediate popularity with tribesmen who were exposed to its use during the Afghan Wars. Overall length 93.5cm. Condition II