Sword belt and buckle

1860-1870

Place madeUnited States, North America

Leather, gilt, brass, silver, iron

Overall: 42 1/2 x 2 in. ( 108 x 5.1 cm )

Gift of the 7th Regiment, National Guard New York

1951.494a

This sword belt is of the type worn by U.S. Army generals.

DescriptionLeather, gilt, brass, silver, and iron sword shoulder belt; red leather with sliding leather loop near center suspending scabbard sling with brass hook at end that fastens to another hook on sling that suspends from loop and circular frog on left side of belt, and also with cast rectangular brass plate at right end that fastens to claps on left; three tooled gilt stripes on exterior of belt, and on inside and outside of slings; plate has eagle in center with shield on breast and grasping branch in one talon and three arrows in other talon, flanked by applied silver wreath at bottom, and with rayed background, thirteen silver stars, and inscription inside scroll at top.

Markingscast: inside scroll: "E. PLURIBUS UNUM"

ClassificationsMILITARY TOOLS & EQUIPMENT: SWORD