This belt is a beautiful, complete example of the early, original buff leather Model 1851 sword belt. Worn by Federal enlisted cavalrymen before and during the Civil War, this belt model saw service in all theaters of the war as the cornerstone of the mounted serviceman’s kit.

All buff leather is dry but supple throughout with no visible cracking.  The belt itself measures 37” from the outer edge of each part of the m1851 2-piece belt plate, with the option to extend the current size by several more inches.  The width of the belt falls at a uniform 1.88”. The longer sword hanging strap measures 26” as fastened with the same nice leather condition, while the shorter of the two measures approximately 11”.  The “Sam Brown” style shoulder strap measures 35.5” - not including the brass hook fastener.

The black dye has faded to a russet brown as is typical for the age and character of buff leather.  The reverse natural or ‘white’ buff is in a likewise great condition with minimal to no staining.  All stitching is complete and strong throughout, as are all single copper rivets.

All brass hardware is complete and shines in a brilliant light yellow, with no real observable tarnish except for one of the sword hanger studs which shows minor patina.

The m1851 buckle/belt plate is in like-new condition, with a sterling-finished German Silver wreath and clearly stamped manufacturing number reading “971”.  On the reverse side of the leather that is run through the plate, a blue stamp shows the contractor/manufacturer name “J DAVY”.  The mated brass fastening loop also shows a strongly stamped “971” – making this a rare, matching, early wartime contract belt.

Very seldom are early model Cavalry belt such as this seen in such a wonderful condition.  This belt would display very nicely among any pre-Civil War, Civil War, or post-Civil War collection and would pair well with any number of other essential cavalry items for the discerning collector.  [cm][ph:L]

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