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     This belt is made of patent leather over canvas webbing and was assuredly manufactured during the War Between the States.  This round belt loop design and concentric ring wreath is a Confederate era, original pattern as opposed to a pre-war pattern.  These were only made during the early War.  The same company who manufactured this belt and buckle bearing the Louisiana state seal, (a mother pelican feeding her young from the blood of her breast) upon its central disc, also made identical belts with the letters W. A. on the tongue disc which stood for New Orleans Washington Artillery, one with the letters CS, for Confederate States on the disc and a third pattern that bore a five pointed star.

     This style has a strong association with the famed Washington Artillery and was likely made by Thomas, Griswold and Company of New Orleans.

     This particular belt has a lot going for it, beyond its great beauty and associated history.  A label was affixed to the back of the belt recording its history in what appears to be 19^th century script and was written by its captor or a comrade.  Much of it can not be read, but enough of it can to determine that it was captured at Shiloh.  The label reads:  ____ Secession 1861-1865  Shilow __    _____________

____    __________ who charged ____ __________  _ ____   Wat _ _ s

This leaves a lot of the story untold, but it does associate the belt to one famous battle.

     The belt is in very good condition.  It has had two partial tears repaired.  There was really no need to have done this as it was strong and solid anyway, but it did perhaps improve the aesthetics slightly.  The belt was originally a sword belt, but the hangers were removed.  The buckle is without question original to the belt.  The two piece buckle with a die stamped tongue disc is absolutely perfect and could not be improved upon.  It still retains most of its original gilt.  Having been taken at Shiloh, it could not have been worn long before its capture.  This is without a doubt the best of the best and has a solid history.