Fireman's belt dating to the Edwardian era. Most likely German (possibly French) of origin. Tightly woven wool webbing, which is beautifully patterned in red and black, finished with dark brown leather. The belt buckles with heavy leather double straps and roller buckles. One D ring on left side.
Total length (including straps) 110cm/43.3in., belt length (without straps) 93cm/36.6in., length of webbing 83cm/32.7in. Measurements belted from 89cm/35in. to 91cm/35.8in. with webbing covering the waist area or up to 96cm/37.8in with a 4cm/1.6in. space (the webbing is 4cm/1.6in. shorter than the circumference of webbing + leather belt buckles, see last picture). One additional hole has been added to the upper strap at some point (adding another 2cm/0.8in. on top, which could easily be punched into the lower strap as well). Overall height 9cm/3.5in..
A true collector‘s piece in wonderful condition. The webbing is clean and intact (no elasticity) with a few scattered (minor) slubs which look to be inherent to the fabric. The leather straps are supple with age related crazing. Stitching is intact throughout. Excepting some dryness of the keeper loops, the piece is exceptionally sturdy and well preserved given its age and original use.
This belt would look equally good as a (unisex) statement belt worn over a blazer, dress or coat along the lines of Jean-Paul Gaultier or as a historical piece
originally worn by Victorian/Edwardian firemen with a white cotton shirt, wool trousers and fireman‘s wool uniform jacket
Clean and conditioned, this belt is ready to wear
Patron Saint (among others) to firefighters, miners and artillery, December 4th marks St Barbara‘s Day, Vive St. Barbe!
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