Help I D this bandoleer

[sparkeyboaz]

Hello,
I found this on Gun Broker and knew the stripper clips weren't 5.56mm. I was looking for 7.62 stripper clips so I bought it for them. The stripper clips have "DS1968" stamped on them.
The bandoleer looks like it still has alot of history intact!
I am curious about the markings on the bandoleer. It appears to be British but I'm no authority.
What do you think?
Thanks, Sparkeyboaz
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=189109646

[Deltaten]

Hmmmm....

The "R G" marking would suggest it's a Brit, Radway Green cotton canvas unit from before nylon times. Dated as what '66?? and there ya go! :D

[sparkeyboaz]

Hi Deltaten.
That was what I was thinking. It's what started me thinking that the item was actually British 7.62 rather than the M16 it was advertised as.
Any idea what the other markings represent?
Have you heard of or seen any stripper clips with the "DS1968" stampings on them? I just picked up a later model bandoleer w/ 15 "MFT" stripper clips. The bandoleer is dated 1995
I looked for the link on I.D.ing stripper clip markings but kept coming up short.
Thanks for the info!

[G_FAL]

http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~kevin_a/

[sparkeyboaz]

Thanks G_FAL!
It seems like the strippers are original "Davis Steel 1968" MK3 type.
That might be what the MK3/1 represents.
I wonder if the "R. M. M." 1966 is the "manufacturer" and the date the bandoleer was manufactured?
Sparkeyboaz

[NZ L1A1 Collector]

How to decipher the stampings:-

Stripper Clip (Mark 3 Charger)
D.S. = Davis Steel manufacturer.
1969 = Year of manufacture.
http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~kevin_a/Drawings/Stripper%20clips/UK%20DS1969.jpg
http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~kevin_a/Drawings/Stripper%20clips/UK%20DS1969_cu.jpg


Bandolier (Mark 3/1)
QV5A = is the drawing number for the bandolier.
M.K. 3/1 = Mark 3/1 model of bandolier.
R.M.M. -= Manufacture of the bandolier.
1966 = year the bandolier was made.

RG = Ammunition manufactured by Radway Green.

17-2-69A = Date the ammunition was loaded.

can I use the photos on the website?

[sparkeyboaz]

Hi NZ L1A1 Collector.
Thanks for the info.
The pics aren't mine. They are the ones the seller used for Gun Broker.
I can ask for the sellers permission but the pics seem to be distorted somewhat. At least the pics of the stripper clips do.
However, the bandoleer w/ stripper clips should arrive shortly and I'll gladly take as many pics as you care for.
I'm surprised I stumbled on this one. The seller listed the bandoleer as being a M-16 5.56 bandoleer.
Thanks again for the info.
I just sent my UB58 barrel and other misc. British L1A1 parts off to ADAM762 for re parking.
I'm getting anxious to put it together!
This bandoleer will be a nice addition!
Sparkeyboaz

[sparkeyboaz]

Bandoleer came in today. Stripper clips are actually DS1968.
NZ L1A1 Collector:
I took pics and e-mailed them to you via your Stripper clip id sight.
Let me know if you received them. If not, let me know where you'd like them sent.
James