Civil War Officer’s Sword Belt Retaining its Original Shoulder Strap – Embossed Belt Safe Indicating Belt Made by Bent & Bush of Boston

Civil War Officer’s Sword Belt Retaining its Original Shoulder Strap – Embossed Belt Safe Indicating Belt Made by Bent & Bush of Boston – We have had several Civil War officer sword belts, although they are now increasingly difficult to find, especially still retaining their shoulder straps. This example is constructed of rather plain, finished black bridle leather; all of the original sword drops and various brass studs, scabbard snaps and single sword hanger are all present; the shoulder strap has a diminutive, horseshoe-shaped, iron buckle for size adjustment. There are two leather, uniform protection safes – one is just above the front location where the shoulder strap is attached to the belt proper and behind the juncture of the shorter sword drop and brass sword hanger on the front of the belt; the second safe extends from the belt itself to provide protection for the officer’s uniform, behind the belt plate – embossed on this safe is the following:

“BENT & BUSH

MAKERS

BOSTON”

The belt plate is a M1851, rectangular, cast brass plate of decidedly high quality; the laurel branches are silvered and extend, like most early war 1851 plates, above the eagle’s wings. The plate is gilded and retains most of the original gilding; the back of the plate is numbered “202”; the keeper is stamped with the same number. This belt rig is an excellent example of an early war officer’s accoutrement, manufactured by one of the older, venerable American military purveyors. The belt remains in overall good condition, with some areas of minor cracking to the finish and some minor weak areas in the leather; the belt can be readily displayed on a mannequin with a frock coat.