As far as I'm concerned, this belt and buckle are a National or at the least, a State of Virginia treasure. This is a tarred Virginia Militia belt, probably made by Ames. It has a frog for a Militia Officers sword and has a few breaks in the leather that have been carefully reinforced (not visible). The buckle is as good as it gets retaining ALL OF ITS ORIGINAL GOLD GILT. Contrary to what you may see quoted in auction catalogs, this is how "the best" really looks. This buckle is VIRTUALLY FLAT MINT!