This handsome, well-preserved buff leather, dragoon sword belt outfit is a fine and wonderful accoutrement of the Civil War. Belt specimen, in very good original condition, is constructed of strong buff leather dyed black on the exterior per the 1851 Army Regulations. Sword belt is complete with its eagle waist belt plate, matching keeper, brass carry hook, both saber straps and even has its original shoulder strap, usually missing.  Maker stamped on the inside of belt, “W. KINSEY / NEWARK NJ.” On May 21, 1864 William Kinsey & Co. had a contract for 5,000 saber belts & plates and on March 1, 1865 had a contract for 5,000 sets of saber belts.  Sword rig has aged and the dye has faded to a rich, dark chocolate brown color.  Surface of leather belt is strong and tight and exhibits 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 the leather strong and the all the stitching 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 a benchmark of “992” on both plate and keeper. The cast brass plate has an integral tongue on the reverse and on the front face has an applied, one-piece, nickel silver wreath that has acquired a pleasing, mellow bronze-like patina.  Unfortunately, the wreath is missing the center or bow section.  Brass belt 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’. Plate has acquired a handsome, rich, bronze patina overall.    Backside has the same pleasing patina. Wear is minimal. No maker’s mark is visible to plate or keeper but the benchmarks are strong and deep. This cavalry belt retains its original and seldom seen cross shoulder buff leather strap in superb condition.  Buff-colored strap is dyed and exhibits the same chocolate coloring as its matching sword belt.  Shoulder strap bears no maker’s mark or inspection stamps.

A very fine, original and complete black buff leather Civil War sword belt rig.