Sword belt

1850-1870

Place madeUnited States, North America

Leather, brass, cotton

Overall: 40 x 2 in. ( 101.6 x 5.1 cm )

Gift of Christine S. Trepp

1931.86a

According to accession records, this belt was part of a uniform worn during the Civil War by Casper Trepp, who enlisted in the 1st United States Sharpshooters in New York City in 1861, and was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel by the time of his death at Mine Run, Virginia, in 1863.

DescriptionLeather, brass, and cotton sword belt; stitched, black leather-covered canvas belt with ring near center of belt suspending scabbard sling with brass hook at end that fastens to another scabbard sling suspended from loop and frog on left side of belt, and with rectangular brass plate at right end that fastens to clip on left; plate has stamped eagle in center, with shield on breast, branch in one talon, and three arrows in other talon, flanked by wreath at bottom, and with rayed background, thirteen stars, and inscription inside scroll at top.

Markingsstamped: inside scroll: "E PLURIBUS UNUM"

ClassificationsMILITARY TOOLS & EQUIPMENT: UNIFORM