Images Captured in Time

Originally published July-August 2024 · pp. 38–39

Images Captured in Time — lead photograph from the original article

Virginia cavalryman wearing homespun uniform with Virginia state seal sword belt plate and a Virginia Manufactory cavalry saber converted to modern light cavalry by Ames of Chicopee, Massachusetts, just prior to the war. The conversion consisted of shortening the blade and placing it in a modern light weight scabbard with two ring mounts emulating the U.S. Model 1840 cavalry saber. Soldier also carries a Colt Model 1860 percussion army revolver. Medium: sixth-plate tintype, hand-colored; 9.3 x 8.2 cm (case). Liljenquist Family Collection of Civil War Photographs (Library of Congress).

Pattern: Sword belt plate Weight: 80 grams

Images Captured in Time — photograph 2 from the original article

Dimensions: Width: 3.5 inches, height 2 inches Collection: Dr. William Blackman

Images Captured in Time — photograph 3 from the original article

The State of Virginia placed an order for 1,000 swords and belts from N.P. Ames in 1860, with E. Gaylord furnishing the belts and plates. These plates were sand cast and then chased with an iron die to bring up the details. After the plates were chased, the tongue device was brazed onto the back. The plate and the keeper were then hand-fitted by the foundryman, and the plate was placed in a jig to obtain the proper curvature. Once the plate was properly finished, it was inspected, and the plate and keeper were stamped with matching numbers before being sent to the harness shop for attachment to the sword belt. The weight and dimensions of these plates are consistent at about 80 grams and 3.5 inches in width, with a height of 2 inches for fitting on a 2-inch belt as prescribed by the State of Virginia regulations.