Gun Belt Question

[Sgt. C.J. Sabre]

Most new gun belts I see have a large keeper for the belt itself. I've put them on the ones I've made. I see them in patterns at The Leather Factory, too. However, looking through "Packing Iron", with one exception, the 19th century gun belts featured there don't. The 20th century buscadaro belts do, but I'm looking at the older ones.
Does anybody know if this is a modern fabrication, or did they just get lost with age and use?
I decided to leave it off my newest gun belt, and I do find it more comfortable. 

[Skeeter Lewis]

It's pretty generally agreed that keepers are modern.  (Read: 20th. century.) If you want authenticity - leave them off. Skeet

[Cliff Fendley]

Most all 19th century gun belts with the billets were money belts. I'm not even aware of a good way to fasten one to a money belt with historically accurate fasteners.

Those keepers fall in with leg ties and hammer tie downs, if the gun rig is designed in true 19th century fashion none of those are needed and are generally in the way.

You were right to leave it off.