19th century Belt of buttons RR related?

[SPiperato]

Hello. this is my first post, so I hope it turns out. I was digging a mid to late 19Th century dump and found this belt of buttons?
There are 11 total. Three(3) buttons read " O C & SF " surrounding a star. I'm assuming the initials for the Grand Canyon & Santa Fe Railroad Company. There are four(4) with lyres, three(3) eagles, each w/an anchor in their talons (two with heads turned left and the third turned right) and finally the last one has a shield with scenery, maybe a state emblem? There are no marks anywhere, if anyone can help identify this find I sure would appreciate it. Oh by the way, you'll notice that there are two(2) segments. I found them about 30 yards apart from each other. I just couldn't believe it!!

THANKS,
Steve

 

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[duggap]

Breezie we need you. I believe those are a woman's belt. That was a bit of a fad back in the early to mid 20th century.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

I see some US Navy buttons. I have seen small bracelet sections posted here before. Cool find.

 

[TheCannonballGuy]

Definitely a Ladies' "patriotic" sash-belt/dress-belt. The one you found dates from the 1870s-to-1890s. That date-range is certified by the "shield" button-face in it being an Ohio State Seal militia version from the 1870s. Speifically, the Albert button-book shows it as button# OH-5B ...made by the Waterbury Button Company between 1870 and 1890.

Here is a photo of another variation of those "patriotic" Ladies' belts ...this one has various State Seal button-faces from the 1870s-1890s.

 

[Breezie]

WELCOME to the forum!!! Cannonball nailed it! Super find, Breezie

 

[SPiperato]

You guys are awesome! THANKS for the info. I have more dig finds that I'm so sure about. If you all don't mind I'll post them too.

S P