This is a very special artifact; it is only the second complete Confederate Artillery belt rig I have ever seen. This is one of those items, that in its current state is almost nonexistent. What more could a Confederate artillery collector want than a full belt rig with the original sword and scabbard? (okay, maybe a cannon)

The buff belt and frog are 100% complete with no repairs or alterations. The rig’s only imperfection is a tear in the top edge of the frog (see photo) but it is still strong enough to support the sword on a mannequin. This rig started as a Model 1832 Federal artillery belt and sword. During the War Between the States, the US two piece buckle was replaced with a Virginia Style CS Two-Piece buckle.

The belt was probably gleaned from the battlefield and reworked in Richmond. It is clearly evident under close examination that it was done during the War. This can be seen by the fact that the stitching attaching the wreath to the belt is virtually as old as the remainder of the stitching and the shrinkage around the loop is consistent with the rest of the belt.

The scabbard which remains securely fastened inside its frog so tightly through shrinkage, that it cannot be removed without damage. In fact, the damage to the frog was probably done when someone tried to remove the scabbard from the frog. Thank goodness they could not get it out. The scabbard’s leather surface is crazed but the whole remains structurally perfect. Its condition is very, very good.

The U.S. Model 1832 artillery short sword it contains is in excellent condition with a smooth golden patina on its hilt. The sword is totally complete with a semi-bright blade. There are only 3 fleabite nicks along its edge. The blade’s ricasso is stamped "United – States – 1834” on one side and "Eagle Logo – N.P. Ames – Springfield” on the other. These stamps are very faint today. The top of the quillons are marked "ORD.” "HKC.” and "JM”.

Both the belt and the sword are the Ames Model 1832. Leaving little doubt that they were originally issued together. Whether the CS Arsenal in Richmond altered it after its capture/recovery, or possibly an individual artilleryman had it converted cannot be positively known, but what can be said with certainty is that it is original as used in the Confederate Artillery Service during the War.

The history that was passed to me was that it came from Mr. Ewing of Oley, PA. Mr. Ewing collected locally only. It is quite possible that the Yankee’s reacquired it after the Battle of Gettysburg, which is only a hundred miles from Mr. Ewing’s home in Oley, PA, but there are many ways it could have made its way to Oley, PA.

As mentioned, this is an extreme rarity and is in extremely good condition. If you wish to own a genuine, complete Confederate artillery rig that is suitable for mounting on a mannequin, this is probably your only chance.