This artifact is an early, original buff leather sword belt accoutrement worn by Federal enlisted cavalrymen prior to and during Civil War. In very fine almost complete condition, this leather belt rig features its original, Allegheny Arsenal marked, regulation 1851 pattern, brass NCO eagle belt plate with its keeper, together with both long and short leather sword straps and the brass cavalry hook. Constructed of strong buff leather, this handsome belt measures 37" long, 1¾" wide and exhibits a surface that was dyed black on the face per army regulations of 1851. Belt and strap undersides retain the original buff / beige color and were not dyed. Leather is in excellent condition with no cracking or flaking. Light, scattered scuffing visible in areas.

The end of the leather belt is run through the rectangular M1851 brass sword belt plate loop and clasped together by means of a brass hook. A separate leather adjuster loop secures the connection. A brass keeper (hasp) is sewn to the opposite end of the leather belt. Both the plate and its keeper are benchmarked with the same number '940'. Plate also clearly stamped with "U S / ALLEGHENY / ARSENAL". Stitched to the belt exterior near the keeper are two, brass D-ring suspension loops that served to anchor the over-the-shoulder strap and small sword strap. Typically, the leather shoulder strap is missing. Belt retains its original pair of 2" long, horizontal leather loops that are stitched on the exterior surface and secure a large, square, 1¾" brass suspension ring. Ring supports the long saber strap and anchors the over-the-shoulder strap.

The regulation 1851 pattern, brass, eagle waist belt plate is a rectangular, concave, detailed accoutrement. Measuring 84 mm long x 51 mm high, the cast brass plate has an integral tongue on the reverse and the three-piece, nickel-silver wreath with the tips reaching above the eagle's wings. Wreath strongly secured to the front face. Plate features a detailed, spread-winged eagle facing to his right with a shield on his breast. Eagle grips an olive branch in his right talon and holds three arrows with his left. Plate face wears a very pleasing, untouched, dark patina and exhibits strong edges with even wear on all the high spots including shield device, stars and wing edges.

Upper sword strap hanger measures 16" long total with both ends looped back with large brass rivets. Its brass "D" ring also suspends the brass sword hook. The lower (longer) sword strap hanger measures almost 28" long with both ends looped back. Both straps would loop through the suspension rings on the trooper's scabbard. All brass furniture wears a rich, mellow bronze patina. This standard, early-war sword belt rig, with its handsome, arsenal-marked rectangular M1851 eagle belt plate is an outstanding, original accoutrement used by Civil War horse soldiers. A super fine cavalry artifact that would enhance any Civil War leather collection or soldier's display.

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