SOUTH CAROLINA OFFICERS SWORD BELT MADE BY AMES MFG. CO. This is a very rare...

SOUTH CAROLINA OFFICERS SWORD BELT MADE BY AMES MFG. CO. This is a very rare sword belt, made and marked by "N.P. AMES, CABOTVILLE, MASS". This is the only specimen known on its orig belt to us, and possibly the only non-excavated specimen period. This belt was probably made for high grade Mexican War Era presentation sword. Each half of buckle is benchmarked #32. Brown enamel is painted on back of buckle, like on most Ames buckles. This exact buckle is pictured in several reference books. Also accompanied by letter of authentication from one of the foremost authorities on Confederate buckles, Steve Mullinax. CONDITION: Buckle tongue has a couple slight bends. Tongue and wreath exhibit 90% plus orig gilt. Belt is in very good condition. Tightening buckle inside belt is missing. Both sword hangers are intact. One of the sword ring clamps lacks spring, but both retain about 50% of their gilding. 4-55785 JS74 (10,000-15,000)