Mann’s Patent Military Waist Belt 

Description

 Mann’s Patent Military Waist Belt 

 

Scarce Civil War period Mann’s Patent military waist belt, retaining its original leather body with attached patented brass belt hook device. This distinctive configuration, designed as an alternative fastening system, is characteristic of Mann’s wartime patent and far less commonly encountered than standard frame or plate buckles. The belt remains solid and supple, showing expected field wear, with the hook assembly intact and exhibiting a pleasing, untouched patina. 

 

William Mann, an officer in the 7th Michigan Cavalry, patented a system in late 1863 for both cavalry and infantry that distributed the weight of ammunition and accouterments more evenly and placed the burden mainly on the shoulders rather than the waist and groin. This is a very scarce example of the Mann’s patent waistbelt for infantry that was produced in 1864. Several Union regiments were issued Mann’s accoutrements for field trials but the system was never adopted and examples are rare. 

 

The waistbelt is the standard enlisted type rather than possessing the D rings and exhibits in good condition. The leather is supple and strong but does show surface wear. The width of the belt is approx. 1.75 inches.  

 

The belt plate is the same arrow hook and tongue attachment as found on the reverse of the pattern 1839 oval “US” plate but without the brass face and lead fill.  

 

A seldom-seen variation of Civil War accoutrement, representing an innovative but short-lived approach to military belt hardware—highly desirable for the advanced collector of Union field gear. 

 

Inventory Number: LEA 505