This 1856-pattern full dress sword belt is made of blue Moroccan leather and embroidered with gold thread. The belt features a border of gold thread and a central motif of acorns and oak leaves all done in surface satin stitch. The buckles are a very crisply cast gilt brass in the rococo revival style.

This belt was worn by Admiral Sir Joseph Nias (circa 1793-1879). Nias entered the Royal Navy in 1807 and was steadily, if slowly, promoted through the ranks in 1820-30. He became Commander in 1827, Captain in 1835, Rear-Admiral in 1857 and Vice-Admiral in 1863. He retired with the rank of admiral in 1867.