EARLY NAVAL OFFICER’S CIVIL WAR SWORD BELT BUCKLE 
M 1830

 

EARLY U.S. NAVY TWO PIECE SWORD BUCKLE (PLATE)
M1830
 


 

Presented is a 1830 Pattern Naval officer’s two piece eagle
Sword Belt buckle. This example features the motif of a left facing winged eagle gripping an anchor
in its talons. A wreath of leaves surounds the center plate with crosses at top bottom and sides. The plate shows that it
was worn regularly and has a nice brown patina of age. No maker’s mark.

SIZE:  3 1/8″ L x 1 7/8″ W x 3/32″ T   BELT OPENING
1 3/4″ x 3/16″

 

 

 
HOW EAGLES FACE: The Navy Historical Center’s site states there seems to have been three phases in the evolution
of the directions that eagles face on Navy devices. The picture at left is of admiral’s rig of 1890.
 
The eagle and anchor emblem was adopted in the uniform regulations of 1797 to be used on uniform
buttons. From then until 1866, the device was used without much consistency on officer swordhilts,
and swordbelts, captains’ epaulettes and finally on officer caps. According to James C.
Tily, The Uniforms of the United States Navy (1963), left-facing eagles were used on the uniform buttons of
captains
and above (No. 1 button), while right-facing eagles were designated for masters commandant and lieutenants
(No. 2 button), in the regulations of 1820. This practice ended in 1830 when all officers
were ordered to wear the “No. 1” button with the eagle facing left. This followed through to the other devices in which it
was used.
 

The eagle in the medallion of the officer’s sword-hilt of 1852 faces to the right, but the sword belt buckle
medallion shows an eagle facing left.
The eagle on a captain’s shoulder epaulette of 1852 faces to the right.
 

International buyers welcome, but inquire first.  We have satisfied customers in Australia,
Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Chile, China, Democratic Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic
of Congo, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Mexico, New
Zealand, Norway, Nova Scotia, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, USVI and the
Eastern Caribbean.

 
OUR UNCONDITIONAL GUARANTEE: If not
completely satisfied with your purchase it may be returned, if without damage, within three days of receipt in its original
packaging. Return items must be insured for their full value. A prior email authorization by us for the return is required. Unfortunately,
shipping charges are not included in this offer and are non-refundable unless due to our error.

 This
is a fist quality Naval officers’ sword belt buckle in its original condition. The early ones are becoming scarce.

Copyright 2007 by Land And Sea Collection™, All
Rights Reserved

Select a thumbnail from the left to zoom.

Image #1

Image #2

Join Our Mailing List


By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Land and Sea Collection. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact