This pattern belt and plate was introduced in 1839 for foot artillerymen, and for a very brief time for infantry NCOs until the 1840 pattern swords and shoulder belts were delivered.
The round, interlocking US plate was solid cast and sturdier than the 1832 patterns with a snake buckle. The belt is white buff with and adjusting hook and two slide tighteners. The interior shows a Dingee maker's stamp in a rectangular cartouche and the tongue of the buckle shows an "R D." Next to the ink stamp is a hand written name in old brown ink that is hard to make out, but is certainly the soldier to whom the belt was issued. With the belt is part of the original scabbard with its throat secured in the frog by its brass fastening button. The scabbard measures 14 inches overall, extending 11 inches below the frog. The seam on the reverse is open for much of its length. I have put a narrow piece of cardboard in it to keep it from breaking further. It could be replaced by dampening the buff frog, but I have left it as found.
A scarce US regulation belt rig of the Mexican War period.
Price: $750. Shipping $14.95. NY addresses add sales tax.