Beautiful private purchase militia-style belt and two-piece eagle buckle, complete with sword hangers.  Some of the original black finish has separated from the belt exposing a rich brown leather underneath.  The buckle is in great shape with a lovely untouched patina.  The “frame” portion was cast hollow but is lead-filled. 

Belts and buckles such as these saw widespread pre-war use among state militias both north and south, sometimes even being pressed into wartime service when an issue belt was unavailable.  Many are present in wartime portraits of Confederate and Union soldiers. A fine example of pre to early war militia accoutrement.

[Civil War, Union, Confederate, Relic]