Civil War Period General Officer’s Sword Belt

SOLD

Civil War Period General Officer’s Sword Belt – This belt would have been worn by a war period General officer; the belt retains its original M1851 cast brass, officer’s eagle belt plate – the plate is bench marked number “72” and is notched at the two corners at the keeper side of the plate to enhance affixing to the keeper; we do not see a bench mark on the keeper, although it could be hidden beneath its attached area to the belt. The belt plate shows period wear and significant remaining gilding on the back side of the plate. The belt is constructed of a fine grade of leather with parallel rows of  gold bullion embroidered overlay on the outward facing side; although the sword “resting hook” remains in place, the sword attachment suspends are no longer present. The belt proper exhibits period use and wear; the “safe” behind the belt plate remains in place; the leather side of the belt is in very good condition with some minor period use scuffing to the finish. Although Civil War Federal officer’s belts are often seen today, Federal General officer’s belts are not often encountered. Nearly the exact same belt is pictured as a product for sale in the 1864 Schuyler, Hartley & Graham military goods catalog.