Union Army Uniforms and Insignia of the Civil War

Officer's Belts

Sword Belt

Sword Belt

Sword belts and swords were to be worn by all officers on duty and were also worn by mounted enlisted men who carried sabers. The hook on the viewer's right was used to hook the sword up so that it did not drag on the ground. The two snap hooks seen on the viewer's left suspended the sword at an angle when worn free.This particular sword belt was worn by Joshua A. Varian, Colonel of the Eight New York National Guard. A special Russian leather belt with three stripes of gold embroidery were worn by general officers.


(Courtesy: John Rupp)

MORE: drawing of a sword belt from Schuyler, Hartley and Graham
MORE: painting of General Barlow wearing sword belt
Photo of General Milroy wearing sword belt
Photo of hook on sword belt in use
Ohio State Sword Belt Plate
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