3186

EXTREMELY RARE “ALABAMA MAP” SABER BELT PLATE,

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:7,500.00 USD Estimated At:15,000.00 - 20,000.00 USD
EXTREMELY RARE “ALABAMA MAP” SABER BELT PLATE,

BELT & ACCOUTREMENTS. This may be the only Alabama rectangular buckle extant with original belt and matching keeper. It also has the Colt military flap holster and CS carbine box that have been on it since known in collecting community in 1970s. The “bullet” shaped stitch line has always been considered a Confederate feature on sword belts. The buckles originally are prewar contract and were probably on buff leather like corresponding Virginia belts. This is a fine survivor and has good collection history. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: binder of information, research, correspondence, copy of 2014 NST article on Moser collection of belt buckles. CONDITION: buckle is fine, smooth patina, with tiny hole punched next to map in background. This hole has never been repaired and the last two collectors thought it gave it character. Regardless a good conservator could fill this and make it close to undetectable. Belt is sound, supple, crazed with resewn thread through original holes (thought done by a young Jim Moser, first collector to own this). Sword straps are missing, the two resewn tongues holding brass rectangular strap mount appear replaced though sewn directly through the old sewing holes. The long carbine box is dry and distorted, holster missing closure tab was US contract, sound, dry, cracking and flaking. Buckle measures 51.5mm x 89mm still with “body curve as made. PROVENANCE & COLLECTION HISTORY: James “Jim” F. Moser, Jr. collection (1915-1991) / James F. Moser, III (1949-2014) / Steve Sylvia, Orange, VA / Keith Kenerly, Spotsylvania, VA 2006 / Thomas James “Jim” Maconkey collection (1944-2018) / Cullen Fitzpatrick Smith estate collection (1945-2021). (02-17245/JS). $15,000-20,000.