1872 Cavalry Saber Belt

[Steve Rogers]

Here's a US 1872 pattern cavalry saber belt that came in recently. The the upper loops on the slides and link elements are for attachment of the rather complicated shoulder brace system that featured an integral carbine sling. The square loops riveted to the belt are for attachment of removable saber slings that had flat brass hooks on the upper end. Note the carrying hook on the forward square loop.

McChristian indicates these belts were often used with the Stuart pattern saber slings. Some advanced collectors also say they have also found a few un-messed-with examples that had the old Civil War pattern slings as well, but these were likely very limited field or post modifications. As the saber was carried with decreasing frequency in the field, the belts most often show up on their own, but are pretty scarce. They were made in two sizes and this one has a "No. 1" size stamp.

 

[ludwigh1980]

Nice belt. hard to find, however with all of the old collectors kicking the bucket so to speak I have seen more surface in the last couple years. That is a choice example.