U.S. ARMY, MODEL 1902, OFFICERS SWORD BELT RIG, WITH EAGLE PLATE The is a M1902 company-grade, infantry officer full dress sword belt with the dual saber slings on a single attachment point. Like all other officer uniform items, they were privately purchased, not government issued. This is a gilt bullion full dress hanger. All gilt components are solid brass. The U.S. Army Model 1902 Officer's Dress Belt, often associated with the Model 1902 Army Officers' Saber, was a key component of the officer's full-dress uniform. Adopted in 1902, the belt served a ceremonial purpose, as officers in the field increasingly favored sidearms like revolvers over swords Materials and Construction: Belt: The belt has four rows of gold lace with three rows of light blue colored silk between them sewn onto black leather. Gold lace is mildly tarnished. 1902 pattern for a Company Grade Infantry Officer. The color of the silk indicated the officer's branch of service. For example, cavalry officers wore yellow silk, infantry officers wore blue, artillery officers wore red, and medical officers wore purple. Right end folds back onto itself to attach buckle and is secured with both a brass keeper and a gold lace retaining strap. The left end has a brass loop and leather buckle guard. Left of center a retaining loop and guard for saber hanger is sewn on. A brass slide and wire loop are on the retainer. Leather is supple. Sides of belt display wear and use. Saber Hangers: This belt includes saber hangers, which was made of gold lace and colored silk to match the belt. These straps, of unequal length, were used to suspend the M1902 saber. The hangers had brass hooks and loops for attachment. This was made in two main parts: saber hook and hanging straps. Saber hook has large open hook which is riveted. Back has a double spring pressure hook for attaching to belt. Leather chapes is sewn through loop. Two straps are sewn into the chape. Straps measure approx. 8" and 11-1/4". Straps are of gold lace with the center row of light blue. Gilt buckles. Spring hooks with screw tighteners are hung on leather chapes and attached to straps with bar buckles. Leather is supple. Eagle Plate, Buckle: Cast brass buckle with raised shiny border, stippled field. Eagle with silver laurel wreath on bottom and starburst at top. Back has open hook and wire loop. The open hook is hallmarked ?THE HENDERSON AMES CO. KALAMAZOO, MICH.? Historical Context and Evolution: The Model 1902 belt and saber were part of a broader revision of Army uniforms in the early 20th century. While the saber and belt were officially adopted for all officers (with the exception of Chaplains), their role was almost entirely ceremonial. Over time, the design and materials evolved. For example, in 1914, the leather saber attachment was replaced with a bright, nickel-steel chain. The belts themselves were also adapted for different uniforms, with russet leather and web belts being introduced for service and garrison use. Shipping: This will be shipped with United Parcel Service (UPS) with full insurance and adult signature upon receipt. International Buyers Please Note: We do not ship outside of the United States! No Exceptions. In addition, we will not ship to third party shippers or any other international shipping hubs such as International Shipping (EIS), EIS 110 INTERNATIONALE BLVD, GLENDALE HEIGHTS IL 60139-2080, or ACI Express Shipping. No buying agents such as Intercommerce America. No international buyers, no freight forwarding companies, no gift addresses, no non U.S. citizen buyers, and no non U.S. based forms of payment. If you place a bid, or make a purchase, we will cancel your bid, and or cancel your purchase! If you wish to make a purchase, you will have to find someone located within the United States to make the purchase for you. They would be responsible to send the package to you. We do ship to APO and FPO addresses.