In mint condition, this handsome, well-preserved buff leather dragoon saber outfit is as fine and complete as they come today. Belt specimen, in mint original condition, is constructed of strong buff leather dyed black on the exterior per 1851 Army Regulations and it retains the original tan or buff color on the belt interior. Saber belt is complete with its brass rectangular eagle waist belt plate with matching keeper, brass carry hook, both saber straps with brass drops, and even has its original buff shoulder strap, usually missing. No maker's stamp or government inspector stamps visible. Leather saber rig has aged and the dye retains almost all of its rich, dark black / chocolate brown color. Leather belt is very strong yet supple with no torn, weak, or stressed areas anywhere. Buff accoutrements were phased out early in the Civil War but they continued in service with countless Federal and Confederate horsemen throughout the conflict.

Belt measures approximately 37" long x 1 7/8" wide with all the leather tight and the all the stitching intact and crisp. Stitched and riveted to the belt exterior are the two, brass D-Ring suspension rings that anchored the shoulder strap and small sword strap. Belt retains its large, brass, square suspension ring that is riveted / stitched on the exterior to support the long saber strap. The Model 1851, brass, eagle waist belt plate is a rectangular, concave, well-detailed accoutrement with highlights of original gold gilt overall. Cast brass plate is benchmarked with "450", as is the original brass keeper. Plate has an integral tongue on the reverse and a one-piece, nickel silver wreath applied to the front face. Plate features a highly detailed, spread-winged eagle facing to his right with a shield on his breast, gripping an olive branch in his right talon and holding three arrows with his left. Beneath a swirl of clouds, starts and sunrays, the eagle holds a ribbon in its beak that reads 'E Pluribus Unum'. The plate face, with its fine stippled background, has acquired a handsome, rich, bronze patina overall. Backside has the same pleasing mellow patina. Wear is very minimal. No maker's mark is visible to plate or keeper but the benchmarks are strong and deep.

The cavalry rig retains its seldom seen, original, cross shoulder buff leather strap in superb condition. Buff-colored strap is dyed on its exterior only and exhibits the same bright coloring as its saber belt. Reverse is creamy beige color. Strong and tight, the shoulder strap bears no maker's mark or inspection stamps. This original, minty, buff cavalry sword rig is one of the best complete leather cavalry rigs we've seen and at a most reasonable price.