Belt, Sam Browne
Object number2016.30.2 a-f
Date1939-1945
OriginNew York, NY
MediumLeather/Metal
Credit LineGift of Barbara Pontello
DescriptionMilitary Police belt.Dimensionsa: 24 × 51.5 × 2.75 in. (61 × 130.8 × 7 cm)b: 1.375 × 35.75 × 0.75 in. (3.5 × 90.8 × 1.9 cm)
c: 1.25 × 40.75 × 0.125 in. (3.2 × 103.5 × 0.3 cm)
d: 1.375 × 41.5 × 0.875 in. (3.5 × 105.4 × 2.2 cm)
e: 1.5 × 7.625 × 0.625 in. (3.8 × 19.4 × 1.6 cm)
f: 1.313 × 2.375 × 0.875 in. (3.3 × 6 × 2.2 cm)
Marks(a)
Embossed maker's mark at proper right end "FULL GRAIN / BRIDLE LEATHER / SERVICE / NEW YORK / 2" and "44".
Reverse of holster has embossed text “551 / 6 / 45”.
Historical NotesThis belt was used by Antonio Pontello while was he was an auxiliary military policman during World War II. Antonio Pontello of Horning, PA, and his three sons, Alfred, Aldo, and Roy, served the Allied forces in various capacities during WWII. Antonio, an Italian immigrant and coal miner, was too old for the draft, so he served stateside as auxiliary military police patrolling the Allegheny Country Airport. Antonio's three sons each served in the military: one as a pilot, one as a paratrooper, and one as infantry. His son Aldo, known as Norman, was a pilot in the European Campaign and flew multiple missions over Germany; the WWII uniform pieces belonged to him. Collection includes Auxiliary Military Police uniform jacket, holster, WWII uniform (including jacket, two shirts, pants, 2 hats), and patches.
Previous owner
Antonio Pontello
Related institution
Auxiliary Military Police
Related institution
United States Army Air Corps
Subjects
On View
Not on view
1941-1945
