This is an exceptional example of an early gentleman’s or aristocrat’s waist belt with attached frog for sword or epee.  This probably dates to the late 18^th or early 19^th century. Belt measures approximately 39” long x 2 ¼” wide.  Frog hangs down an additional 6 ½” from the belt.  Exterior leather surface of belt is expertly hand tooled, creating an elaborate leafy, floral design. The recessed portions having been blackened and the raised details dyed a rich brown color. Interior is lined with thin, red Moroccan leather. The layers are wonderfully hand stitched along the outside edges with a tight 19 stitches per inch.  A bright, polished steel, three-tine buckle is secured to one end. This would buckle to an inner flap so as not to damage the decorative tooled design on the outside. This inner flap remains loosely in place; some of its stitching has become detached.  Frog is fitted for a single scabbard with a slot for the stud at the throat. Overall, leather and stitching is in very good condition and tight.  Color on back of belt is slightly brighter than the front; mostly due to some dust and dirt that has settled upon the side that has faced up over the years. A careful cleaning is probably in order.  The red Moroccan leather on the inside shows some surface cracking and soiling from original wear, but retains nice color.

An exceptional example of an early gentleman’s sword belt.  [jet

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