British Royal Navy (Known & Identified WW1)Sr. Officer Dress Sword Belt & Buckle

Description

This is a Great War British Royal Navy Officer's parade dress sword belt. The basic design hasn't changed since the early 19th century, and this pattern would have been instantly recognizable to the men who served with Lord Nelson. This belt is not dated, but came from a collection of effects belonging to a Royal Navy officer who served in both WW 1 & WW 2.
The officer who owned this belt was Captain John Gerald Yerburgh Loveband RN. He was mentioned in dispatches on 28 November 1944 during Operation Neptune, and again on 17 April 1945 whilst mine laying and attacking an enemy convoy off Norway, whilst he was Captain of HMS Norfolk, a Heavy Destroyer. One of his last missions of WW 2 was to transport the Norwegian Royal Family back to Oslo. One of the attached photos shows Captain Loveband about to shake hands with King Olav. Documentation comes with this item.
The belt is regulation type, being decorated throughout with gold bullion, which is in quite nice condition and has not lost its shine. The buckle & sword hanging hook are in very nice bright condition as well. The buckle retains almost all of its original finish, and shows the Kings Crown ( George V ) above the anchor, within a laurel wreath. The leather work is in strong supple condition, and the makers mark on the inside is in superb, bright condition with no flaking or fading. The belt measures 33" long. The maker is Gieves ( now Gieves & Hawkes ), who are still arguably the world's highest regarded and most exclusive military & civilian tailors.
The sword hanger strap ( the narrower strap that hangs against the leg, with the sword ) has been modified at some point. The two ends should buckle together in the middle-at some point in the belts service life it was modified by removing the buckle & stitching the ends together ( see photo). This was a common practice, as officers found that the buckle bashed against the leg, but this was officially frowned upon. This is mentioned as some collectors may want a "textbook" example ( I currently have a textbook example listed separately). These belts are a find in any condition and this one is Extremely Fine as well as having provenance relating to a distinguished Royal Navy officer. It would be hard to find a Belt & Buckle in this outstanding condition.
The last photos show the provenance of the belt along with the note from the shop where I purchased it in the U.K., all 3 items go with the belt to the person who purchases it.
Check out my other listings for Senior British Officer’s items from Queen Victoria’s reign through George V reign.
Multiple purchases can be combined for postal savings.
2014 marked the 100th Anniversary of the start of the Great War. Collectibles from this era are getting harder to come across and are certain to appreciate in value over time. Freight quoted for domestic United States only. International not a problem, just needs to be quoted separately.