Civilian Belts

[John "Red" Turner]

Ladies and Gentlemen,
Having looked through period photograps and the threads/links on the site, I am still trying to find which belt would be a good choice for a Federal or Confederate soldier who chose to wear a belt vice suspenders/braces.

I suppose some would have merely worn the belt which their cap pouch and cartridge box (if they did not have the sling) was on, but it seems tough to have those items worn all the time. Was there a simple one worn merely to keep up their trousers?

Any guidance as to the type, or popular civilian types which would have been sent or bought from a sutler, would be extremely helpful.

Thanks for the help.

Very Respectfully,
John Turner

[jmbyrnes]

Simply roller buckel belts were very popular as well as single and double billet belts were popular as well. I would simply suggest exploring more photographs of the impression you are trying to mirror in order to determine which belts were most frequently used.

Jason Rich and Eric Woods, while they are not approved vendors, do make a very nice selection of civilian belts.

[John Legg]

Corner Clothiers also has a nice civilian belt.

[mobluegraysoldier]

You could also use the frame buckle with the common belt. This style goes back to the time of colonization, and before.

The suggestion to look at some museum collections, and documentable resources is very good as well.

Kevin Baker; aka, mobluegraysoldier

[Swag]

Single roller buckle belt either with japanned or brass, buckle. Tim Sheads at S&S sutler in Gettysburg has some very nice ones.