Question about Royal Navy officers' sword belts

[Kurt Donch]

Only collecting German uniforms - and with absolutely no knowledge of British uniforms at all - I am asking for assistance with Royal Navy officers' sword belts. I have always been struck by how similar German Imperial navy officers' belt buckles are to the Royal Navy buckles (picture of a relatively early German buckle from my collection attached). Clearly, the German buckles were inspired by the British design. Now I am wondering when exactly sword belts were first introduced in the Royal Navy

 

I have found a "Description of the Sword Belts to be in future worn by Commissioned Officers of the Royal Navy (...)", Admiralty, 2nd July, 1832, in "Nautical Magazine" 1832, p. 335: "gilt mountings with circular fronts, two inches diameter, laurel embossed edges, crown, anchor, and laurel in the centre".

 

But apparently sword belts with round buckles with the anchor motive were worn as early as 1825 (or possibly even before that date). Could the experts on this forum provide additial sources or information to corroborate or refute (pre-1832 introductory oders/descriptions)?

 

Thank you very much in advance for any assistance, which would be highly appreciated!

Kurt