Original Item. Only One Available. This is a beautiful circa 1880s or 1890s belt buckle for the United States Revenue Cutter Service, an early federal agency tasked with enforcing maritime regulations. At one time answerable to the Department of Treasury, the Cutter Service merged with the US Life Saving Service in 1915 to form the United States Coast Guard. It is in gilt bronze and shows an eagle perched upon an anchor framed by boughs of leaves.

This example was altered during the period, with the catch removed and a pin-back added, likely so the officer could wear it as a badge on the shirt. A very interesting period conversion. The buckle measures 2 ¼ x 2 ⅞”.

The United States Revenue Cutter Service was established by an Act of Congress on 4 August 1790 as the Revenue-Marine at the recommendation of the nation's first secretary of the treasury, Alexander Hamilton. The federal government body was initially created to serve as an armed customs enforcement service. Over time, however, the service gradually gained missions either voluntarily or by legislation, including those of a military nature. It was generally referred to as the Revenue-Marine until 31 July 1894, when it was officially renamed the Revenue Cutter Service. The Revenue Cutter Service operated under the authority of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. On 28 January 1915, the service was merged by an act of Congress with the United States Life-Saving Service to form the United States Coast Guard.

Ready for display!