British/Commonwealth Pattern 1903 Bandoleer

The bandoleer shown with my SMLE was used by mounted troops throughout the British Empire in both world wars.

It’s a pattern 1903 Mark 1 bandoleer, the “Mark” indicating a modification of the original pattern that was made in 1905. The pouch holds 50 rounds of ammo, two 5-round clips stored in each of five pockets that went across the wearer’s chest. The leather strap is curved to better fit around the chest, and the brass triangle at the bottom has a leather strap that extends down to attach the waist belt to help secure it from flopping around.

All the metal hardware on this bandolier is brass. It is marked “DLW”, and then the British Broad Arrow (Government acceptance mark) followed by “42” which I take to be the year of manufacture. If anyone knows what DLW stands for, I’d love to hear from you.