Belt Buckle

[captdougofky]

To all

When was the US oval pattern buckle issued.

Thanks

Doug Thomas
Lyons Battery CS
Kentucky

[TimKindred]

Doug,

The round eagle breast plate came into use in 1826, and remained virtually unchanged until it was discontinued after the war.

The US oval was first introduced in 1839 as a smaller size than the more recognized CW period model. The M1839 was made in both left-hand and right-hand versions, and used a waist belt with a leather loop. The larger style came out originally as a flatter version of the one we know today, and was used with dragoon waist belt/sword belts. It was later adopted for the infantry to replace the smaller version in the 1850's, I believe as part of the 1852 uniform regulations, but I cannot conform that at present.

Suffice to say that the larger variant was available across the board at the beginning of the war, the major difference in various models being the use of studs or arrows on the back for clasps. The smaller M1839 was also issued to some units by states which still maintained them in stock, so their early war use is known. However, PEC considerations should dictate that is a unit is going to use the M1839, then ALL of it's members ought to have it, they being issued it together, etc.

Respects,

[captdougofky]

Tim

Thanks for the info. That's what is nice about this forum, people helping people.
I get a little thin at times with some of the comments made by others. Enjoyed the morning talking about events, Ft. Knox, and Maine. Have a good day Sir.

Always
Doug Thomas
Lyons Battery CS
Kentucky