Belgian Ceremonial Belt

Belgian military parade and ceremonial belt for officers, specifically from the early Cold War period under the reign of King Baudouin (reign 1951–1993).

The main features and historical context of this specific militaria item are as follows:

 Features

• The Buckle ("Buckle B Dorée"): This is a gilded brass belt buckle (dorée). The letter "B" is centered on the buckle and refers directly to the royal monogram of King Baudouin.
• Sword Hanger: This type of belt is typically equipped with a special gold-colored and leather hanger (also known as a porte-épée or frog) to which the officer could attach his ceremonial sword during parades.
• Use: Exclusively worn by officers of the Belgian Armed Forces with the gala uniform or ceremonial dress during military parades and official state visits.
• Size: Waist size 92 cm.

 Historical Context: Korea & Congo Period

The belt dates specifically from the 1950s and early 1960s, a turbulent period for the Belgian military:

• Korean War (1950–1953): Worn by officers of the well-known Belgian United Nations Command(Corps Volontaires pour la Corée) that fought under the UN flag. Upon their return and during commemorative parades, officers wore this type of ceremonial belt.
• Belgian Congo (Until independence in 1960): During these years, Belgium maintained large, active military bases in the Congo (such as Kamina and Kitona). Belgian officers and Paracommando units wore this ceremonial attire during official occasions in the colony, including the historic independence ceremony in 1960, where the sword of King Baudouin stood as a symbol at the time.