Object Record

Metadata

Object Name

Belt, Sword

Catalog Number

0985.13.01605b

Description

Black leather sword belt with two piece Virginia plate and remnants of sword slings. The belt is associated with belt buckle (.1605a).

Dimensions

H-8 W-2 L-30 inches

Owned

Lewis A. Armistead

Owner Regiment

72nd Pennsylvania Infantry; 56th Virginia Infantry; Pickett's Division

Event

Battle of Gettysburg

Provenance

Brig. Gen. Lewis Addison Armistead wore this sword belt with buckle during the war. He used it when he was leading his brigade as part of Pickett's Charge. Upon leaping the stone wall near the colors of the 72nd Pennsylvania, Armistead fell mortally wounded. Sgt. Michael Specht, of Co. K, 72nd Pennsylvania Infantry, picked up the sword with scabbard and kept them until he, with the 72nd Pennsyvlania Infantry, gave them to the 56th Virginia Infantry (Capt. Thomas D. Jeffress as commander) at the "Reunion of the Blue and Gray" at Gettysburg on September 15, 1906 on the spot where Armistead fell. The 56th Virginia gave the sword and scabbard to the Museum with the statement that Armistead's heirs had claim to the items. Armistead's grandsons laid claim but donated the sword and scabbard fully in 1907.

People

Armistead, Lewis Addison

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