Civil War officers by regulation wore a sword knot on the hilts of their swords. Originally intended to prevent the sword’s loss in action by acting as a wrist strap, the leather versions issued to enlisted cavalrymen perhaps still had some utility, but for and officer they were mainly decorative and a reminder of his officer status. The 1851 and 1861 US regulations make a distinction between sword knots for general officers, using gold cords with acorn ends, and those for all other officers- a “gold lace strap with gold bullion tassel,” though there might be some variation in the quality of the workmanship or embellishment, with Schuyler, Hartley and Graham, for instance, labelling some as “extra rich” in their catalog.

This one is fancy enough it might qualify for that category. In any case, it is in great condition, full length, with no tears or loose strands in the strap itself, which has woven borders along the edges of the bullion embroidered “lace” strap, and a wide central woven band, showing some underlying yellow fabric. The braided tightener sliding loop is present. The turk’s head knot is in place as well as the rows of embroidered bullion coiling around the knot beneath it and the wide, bullion coil tassels. The only fault we find is some folds and slight edge wear near the near the upper at end of the loop from being wrapped around a sword hilt and actually worn.

This is a very strong example of a regulation piece of officer’s gear with some strong visual appeal.  [sr] [ph:L]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS.

THANK YOU!