sword belt question

[nick19thind]

I've been making a US cavalry sword belt over the last few months and need to know the length of the shorter strap. Did the regulations say how long the two straps had to be?

[1st Maine Trooper]

Re: sword belt question

The ordinance manual specifies the dimensions for each of the saber straps as well as the shoulder strap.
Dave Myrick

[nick19thind]

Re: sword belt question

What did it say the dimensions of the straps were?

[nick19thind]

Re: sword belt question

Could someone please measure the sabre straps on their sword belt and tell me how long they are?
Thanks.

[Stonewall_Greyfox]

Re: sword belt question

The following is an exerpt from the 1863 C.S. Ordinance Manual...although not the federal manual, it was essentially a copy-word for word with exception to some of the material recommendations and also where C.S. was set in place of U.S. I hope this helps...

Cavalry Accoutrements.

SABRE-BELT (buff-leather).-Waist-belt, length 36-40 inches, width 1.9 inch; 1 square loop No. 46, 2 D-rings No. 2 B (brass), for attaching the slings and the shoulder-strap; 1 hook (brass), rivetted on one end by 3 brass wore rivets No. 15; 1 loop (cast brass), sewed on the other end to connect with the plate; 1 shoulder strap, 41 inches long, 1.125 inch wide, with 2 hooks (brass); 2 sabre-slings 1.125 inches wide; front sling 17 inches long, rear sling 34 inches; 4 studs (brass) for slings; 1 sabre-hook (brass wire No. 7).

C.S. Ordinance Manual 1863 (p.217)

[1st Maine Trooper]

Re: sword belt question

The Ordinance Manual of 1861, states that the front strap is to 17" long and the rear strap to be 34" long. Both straps are to be 1.125 inches wide. I can't stress enough the need to obtain a copy of this work along with personally viewing original examples if you intend to attempt reproducing items.
Dave Myrick

[mtvernon]

Re: sword belt question

*Disclaimer - I used the search function*

I just got my first sword belt and am wondering something. It seems likes it is of the regulation dimensions, but when unhooked it drags significantly. My first reaction is to either cut the straps to length or slice another 'belt hole' and adjust it that way, but don't want to irreversibly damage the work or my investment. If the straps are hanging way down (and yes, I'm wearing the belt at or slightly above my navel), what do you suggest I do to make this work? By the way, I'm about 6'2", so it's not my diminutive stature to blame.

[Jerry Ross]

Re: sword belt question

I am no expert but I think you wear the belt unhook when your on your horse. Use the wire hook when your not riding.

[Edwin Carl Erwin]

Re: sword belt question

Nick,

You may find interesting the following title:
American Military & Naval Belts, 1812-1902
R. Stephen Lorsey
2002 Collectors Library
ISBN 0963120891, 9780963120892
468 pgs.

I'll echo what's been stated about starting any reproduction with a careful, detailed examination of an original. Some museum curators will give you the keys to the kingdom for research & others can't be bothered to give you any assistance.

Apart from the inventory held in a museum's collection is a world of originals offered by militaria dealers & auction houses. These sale items are pictured & described in detail both on the internet & in the sale catalogues. For all those that won't answer an email there are are many that will provide thorough answers to an honest query. Google the type of sabre/sword belt you're reproducing followed by "for sale", all in quotation marks.

Kindly post images of your finished project.

Regards,