GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC (GAR) - BUCKLE AND SWORD BELT – POST CIVIL WAR (B)

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GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC (GAR) - BUCKLE AND SWORD BELT – POST CIVIL WAR (B):
$299.00

We are offering a beautiful Antique sword belt made for the GAR in post Civil War 1800\'s. The Grand Army of the Republic (GAR)was a fraternal organization composed of veterans of the Union Army who hadserved in the American Civil War. G.W. Simmons & Co. of Boston, Ma made andretailed US Military swords and accoutrements.

This belt appears to be modeledafter a 1870s period regulation sword belt with chain suspension. The chainattachments at the belt are styled after the 1870s - 1890s US spike helmetplate. The belt buckle is GAR regulation. M.C. Lilly & Co. of Columbus, Ohio is clearly stamped on the tongue of the belt. They were world renowned as manufacturers of regalia. Regalia is defined as magnificent attire, finery.

We show a close up view of the GARbelt buckle on this particular belt. This is the late standard belt buckle thatmimics the motif found on the clamshell guard of the GAR sword. The insignia ofthe Cavalry, Infantry, Artillery, and Navy are incorporated along with the GARcypher. The buckle parts are stamped “AA”.

The standard GAR belt was white. Somewere white web cloth and some were white leather. Sometimes you will see blacksword belts being worn in period photographs but the regulation color waswhite. The sword belts with chains are not often found as they were fancier andmore expensive, costing about twice what a sword belt with leather slings cost.We include a page from a G.W. Simmons & Co, Boston Mass. catalog from thelate 19th Century. The catalog shows various styles of swords and belts availablefor the Grand Army of the Republic and the Sons of Veterans. This is one of the expensive belts.

The buckle is undamaged and has anice patina. The leather belt shows wear and some crackling commensurate withage and wear. It may require a bit of restoration with something like saddle soap but I leave that up to the new owner. Please look at the photos and ask us any questions beforeofferding.

ThankYou for Looking and Good Luck offerding.