Civil War-era Confederate belt with an original, two-piece, circular "CS" and wreath clasp measuring 1 13/16" in diameter. The brass has developed a dull ruddy-ochre patina with a darker shade on the stippled background, as well as some visible grind marks on and around the attachment loops. The plate is attached to an original leather waist belt that measures 29" long (as adjusted) and 1 1/2" in width. The dark brown bridle leather has some heavily flaked areas with numerous scuffs and blemishes, but is still intact and quite supple for its age. Some residual stitching is present about 6" back from the wreath portion of the clasp.
In his definitive study, Sydney Kerksis identifies several variants of these two-piece CS clasps, and this example closely resembles #257 in his study, although the rear construction is different. Regardless, this is a fantastic piece of Confederate militaria, and would make a splendid addition to any collection. [Ref. "Plates and Buckles of the American Military 1795-1874" by Sydney C. Kerksis; 4th ed. 1991].
