During the First World War, many people found themselves smuggling between the Netherlands and Belgium. Either for purposes of espionage, profits or correspondence between friends and family. However, the Dutch government tried to combat the practice, which proved to be rather difficult. The Germans, occupying Belgium, put in place a high voltage electrical fence, referred to as the “Death Thread”. This fence reduced the places one could cross the border, forcing smugglers to become more resourceful. These techniques included fake cigars and even iron drums as fake bellies. A less conspicuous way was such belt with a hidden pouch as shown here.