Feeder belts

[Hammers]

I know that the Russian Maxims had linen feeder belts up to and including WWII but how were they constructed for WWI Schwartzlose, Maxims, Vickers and similar beltfed HMGs?

[Plynkes]

All three (Schwarzlose, Maxim, Vickers) had fabric belts as far as I am aware.

[Westfalia Chris]

In addition, IIRC the American belts for the M1917 watercooled and M1919 air-cooled Machine guns where a rather light linen color and were muddied up by the troops so as not to give of the team´s position.

[WillieB]

 Early Maxim Belts






Early Vickers Belt actually well made into the late fifties! I have one that says made in 1957




There is also a version without the brass strips.


A darker  German Maxim belt often a very dark reddish brown


And a Schwarloze belt

[Hammers]

Looks like I got the colour right then. Thanks Wille B!

You shoot them things?

[WillieB]

Only blanks I'm afraid. And we always use replica aluminium belts.
For my 'real' shooting I prefer something more 'subtle'