This belt with accoutrements attached and the sash came together and are attributed to Lieutenant John D. Barber of the 2^nd West Virginia Cavalry who was killed in action at Winchester on July 24, 1864.

The belt itself meas. approx. 1.50 inches wide with a tooled line along each edge. The leather is slightly stiff but is still pliable and in good condition with only light surface crazing throughout. Attached to the belt is a Pattern 1851 officer’s sword belt plate with a mid-sized tongue on the reverse. Plate has a dark patina and matches the belt well. Attached behind the plate keeper is a leather shield which keeps the sword guard from rubbing against the wearer’s body. There is also one complete sword drop.

Also attached to the belt is a cap box, pistol cartridge box and holster. The cap box has an oval embossed “USN” on the front. The leather has moderate surface dirt and crazing. Latch tab is worn but solid. Inner flap has both ears and a slightly crazed surface. Interior has no fleece or pick. Box body has light crazing. Finial is present at bottom with some light verdigris. Both loops are present on reverse.

The pistol cartridge box has a nice leather exterior that shows only light wear from rubbing. Latch tab is attached to the underside of the outer flap by a rivet and an arc of stitching. This same area bears a “US” stamp in cursive and a faint inspectors stamp. Interior is excellent. Finial is present at bottom. Both belt loops are present on reverse though one shows considerable surface finish loss.

The leather holster will hold a Model 1860 Army Colt and is in overall good condition. There is surface crazing throughout but the latch tab and flap are complete. The side seam has lost some thread but it is still holding closed. The belt loop is slightly stretched but is otherwise fine. Some minor surface finish loss is visible in areas. Plug is present at bottom.

With colored sash with acorns and tassels is also part of the group. The color of the sash has faded some and there are several long snags on the body but it is otherwise full-length and complete.

With the group is a modern typed paper label that reads “REGULATION US COMBAT OFFICER’S SWORDBELT / OFFICER’S SASH WORN BY JOHN BARBER 2^ND WEST VIRGINIA CAVALRY DIED WINCHESTER, VA 1864.”

John David Barber was born in Westmoreland City, Pennsylvania in 1837. He enlisted as a Sergeant in Company C, 2^nd West Virginia Cavalry on September 7, 1861. He was promoted to 1^st Lieutenant and transferred to Company E on June 1, 1863 and was killed in action on July 27, 1864. Barber is buried in Winchester National Cemetery.  [AD]

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