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Ref.number: LEAT0111
Price VAT incl.: 525,00

U.S. MODEL 1856 WAIST BELT WITH PATTERN 1839 INFANTRY WAIST BELT PLATE

Black buff leather waist belt with sheet brass keeper. Has a pattern 1839 large oval "U.S." plate with two "arrowhead hooks", that were moved to the other end of the plate directly behind the "U" of the US on the buckle meaning use for Infantry and manufactured 1863-1865. The large (3 1/2" by 2 1/4"inch) belt plate has a brass facing and was filled in the back with soft solder or lead which secured the brass hooks or studs. Length of belt is 39", width 1 9/10". Black buff on the exterior, white buff on the interior surface. This is one of several U.S. Infantry belts manufactured in quantity during the Civil War and considered standard pattern on "regulation". They were " introduced into the army "about 1856" and remained in service until about 1865. While more difficult to keep clean than a finished leather belt, the design of this belt was a major advance for the soldier. It served to carry bayonet, musket cartridge box and cap box. These belts saw heavy use during the Civil War. Faint traces of maker or inspector cartouches are present near the flat brass keeper, they were extremely difficult to see on the napped buff. Couple small dings on buckle. A very desirable artifact of the Civil War era!! Very fine condition!