Pioneer tool belts

[Perry Kitson]

Can anyone confirm what material was used for holding the pioneer tools down on the back of the Sexton. The parts book lists "belt, web, ##ins.".
I think Shermans used leather, would it stand to reason that the Sexton also used leather?

Perry

[David Dunlop]

Hi Perry.

If the Parts Book uses the word 'web' in its description of these belts, the odds are extremely high they were canvas as per Canadian Infantry webbing of the day. Canvas webbing was used on the front of the 15-cwt 2K1 Wireless box to hold the pioneer tools in place. There was a small metal plate clamped it to the metal siding of the box with two small screws. Not sure if the Sexton would have fastened them in place like that as well, or utilized footman loops.

Hope this helps,


David

[Perry Kitson]

Hi David,
Sexton used footman loops that the straps pased through. Any idea where I can find the marerial used for webbing? The modern stuff is quite a bit lighter.

Perry

[Phil Waterman]

Hi Perry

Have you looked at the old style military uniform belt stock? It was a better match to the original equipment straps on my HUP.

Cheers Phil

[rob love]

Originally Posted by Perry Kitson

Hi David,
Sexton used footman loops that the straps pased through. Any idea where I can find the marerial used for webbing? The modern stuff is quite a bit lighter.

Perry

Try the Spa-nur online catalogue. That was where we ordered webbing from when I was in the military. They should still have the old cotton stuff vs the modern nylon stuff that doesn't grip the buckles.

[David Dunlop]

Perry.

As per Rob, I would frequent military flea markets for webbing items in your area as quite a few WW2 Cdn items used the same size webbing and hardware. Also do check out Spae-naur.

It's a long shot, but might also try talking with Beachwood Canvas in the USA. My guess is they would have the correct cotton webbing in the proper weight, but they might not carry it in the required 'khaki' colour you would need.

Also, if you have a sample, take it in to any local tent and awning makers in your area. You never know what they might still have gathering dust in a store room.

Cheers for now,


David

[Ed Storey]

For British/Canadian manufactured vehicles, using this type of web strap would be appropriate to attach the various external fittings such as tools. It is the same type of woven cotton (webbing) that was used on 1937 Pattern Web Equipment.



One of the easiest and most common Second War period straps that can be still found in quantity and are not overly expensive are the 1937 Pattern Web Supporting Straps.



It goes without saying that Canadian manufactured straps would have been found on Canadian manufactured vehicles and British straps on British vehicles. As well, new vehicles would have been supplied with un-Blancoed straps like these which I have photographed. Of course once a vehicle has been repainted or camouflaged, any web straps would most likely be the same colour as the vehicle.

US manufactured vehicles would have been supplied with US manufactured straps which are very different from the web straps I have illustrated here.