(553-01) $2,850.00
This handsome, brass rectangular waist belt plate is a Massachusetts Militia uniform accoutrement of the post-Civil War period that is in excellent original condition. Advertised in one of the 1885 catalogues from the Ames Sword Company of Chicopee, MA, the militia belt plate enjoyed a long post war life. Quality made, the convex-shaped, large brass device measures 56mm x 89mm and was constructed of gilt cast brass featuring an integral state seal design on the face and a long, narrow brass tongue applied to the reverse. Specimen has a very fine stippled background that is recessed and bordered with a thick rectangular frame edge.
Plate face features an integral center shield motif that includes a standing Indian warrior armed with a bow and arrow. A five-pointed star is highlighted above his right shoulder and the shield device is flanked on both sides with a raised, integral laurel wreath. Streaming pennants decorate the upper part of the shield and bear typical Latin sentiments. Centered above the banners is the crest of the 1780's State of Massachusetts coat of arms… a mailed, right-handed arm brandishing a curved sword. Sunbursts decorate the upper edge of the plate.
Overall wear is very minimal as the plate exhibits sharp and distinct edges about the figure, wreath, pennants and the shield device. A long narrow tongue is applied to the backside and the plate exhibits a benchmark of "10. Face has acquired a most pleasing, rich bronze patina overall. No maker's mark is visible. Here, in very fine condition, is an original post-Civil War Massachusetts Militia officer's rectangular brass waist plate or sword belt plate. Guaranteed to enhance any Massachusetts military collection or belt plate display.
(490-27) $1,295.00
This handsome, Federal, tongue and ring two-piece plate is a seldom seen, regulation pattern 1839 enlistedman's waist belt plate often referred to as the "Artillery Plate". In contract production until the early 1850s, this brass belt plate specimen features fine casting with clean shaped letters "US" on the tongue and is one of the most attractive of the 1839 pattern plates. After the regulars in the US artillery switched to the M1851 eagle-wreath plate around 1853, a small quantity of these interlocking plates continued to be issued with the musketoons carried by enlisted engineers and some mounted militia riflemen. A few of various State artillery units continued to wear these plates during the Civil War and use of the plates was as late as the 1870s.
In very excellent condition, this slightly convex-shaped two-piece device measures 74mm x 52mm and is constructed of gilt cast brass. An unknown contractor supplied maker markings that consist of small single dots or dimples punched onto the backside of the belt loops. Ring (wreath) belt loop shows two distinct dots while the tongue has one dot visible. Tongue has a plain, slightly stippled background and features two, 10mm high raised letters of "U S" centered on the disc. Wreath piece features a plain raised ring. Both belt loops are strong with no bends or cracks. Entire plate has acquired a mellow bronze patina overall and retains tiny traces of the original gold gilt. No maker's mark visible.
This specimen of a US uniform accoutrement is a very fine, rare, original regulation waist belt plate of the 1830 pattern that saw service with enlisted artillerymen in the field.
(M20229) $1,295.00
(558-525) $695.00
(M20870) $450.00
Here is an original, unissued Civil War Federal enlisted infantry oval waist belt plate that is an extra fine specimen. This super artifact is one of those from the H. K. White Company of New York City. Harold K. White was a government inspector for the Federal Quartermaster Dept during the war. Afterwards he became a leading dealer of military goods in New York specializing in uniforms, accoutrements and personal items.
Though not maker-marked, this US waist belt plate was at one time part of the Beverly M. Dubose, Jr. collection and can be seen on page 118 in the reference volume The Illustrated History of American Civil War Relics by Sylvia & O'Donnell, Moss Publications, 1978. Made to the early regulation 1839 pattern, this minty oval plate measures 3½"wide x 2" high and is constructed of die-struck and rolled sheet brass. In unissued, almost mint condition, the convex-shaped accoutrement has the large raised letters "US" surrounded by a double-bordered edging on the face. Entire plate face exhibits its fine, factory-original, shiny, gold gilt surface. Face displays some very minor dings at the upper areas between the letters and the border has a slight inward push at the upper serif of the letter "S".
Backside of the plate is complete with its tight and intact brass arrowhead hooks. Back is lead filled and in smooth, strong, original condition. An old collection number (#9195) is painted unto the bottom of the lead back. A few light surface scratches are noticeable on the lead surface. No lead erosion whatsoever. This minty, unissued brass U.S. oval waist belt plate is in outstanding original condition and worthy of any Civil War display or accouterment collection.
(M20806) $495.00
Here is an original, unissued Civil War Federal enlisted infantry oval waist belt plate that is an extra fine specimen. This super artifact is one of those from the H. K. White Company of New York City. Harold K. White was a government inspector for the Federal Quartermaster Dept during the war. Afterwards, he became a leading dealer of military goods in New York, specializing in uniforms, accoutrements and personal items. Though not maker-marked, this US belt plate was at one time part of the Beverly M. Dubose, Jr. collection and can be seen on page 118 in the reference volume "The Illustrated History of American Civil War Relics" by Sylvia & O'Donnell, Moss Publications, 1978.
Made to the early regulation 1839 pattern, this minty oval plate measures 3½"wide x 2" high and is constructed of die-struck and rolled sheet brass. In unissued, almost mint condition, this convex-shaped accoutrement specimen has the large raised letters "US" surrounded by a double-bordered edging on the face. Entire plate face exhibits its fine, factory-original, shiny, gold gilt surface with some minor oxidation spots on the face. No dents, dings or edge pushes.
Backside of the plate, complete with its tight and intact brass arrowhead hooks, is lead filled and in smooth, strong, original condition. An old collection number (#9197) is painted unto the edge of the lead back. A few light surface scratches are noticeable on the lead surface. No lead erosion whatsoever. This minty, unissued brass U.S. oval waist belt plate is in outstanding original condition and worthy of any Civil War display or accouterment collection.
(M20807) $495.00
This small, 1839 pattern, brass waist belt plate is one of the variant types worn by U.S. enlisted infantry early in the Civil War. Construction of this piece is of die-struck, rolled brass face and the device measures 72mm x 40mm. An unusual feature of this brass plate is that for unknown reasons, no lead filling was ever applied to the backside. Shortly before the Civil War, small quantities of regulation plates and VMM plates were issued to Union forces without the lead backing. Strongly soldered to the inside of the plate is a brass belt attachment shaped with a single arrowhead hook and single clasp. Plate is in very good condition and exhibits moderate gold gilt on the face surface along with a few dark oxidation spots on the border edge over the letter "U". A slight inward push is evident to the upper plate single border edge above the U and the S.
The Federal Army accouterment from the pre and early war period is in very good condition and would make a fine addition to any plate or leather collection.
(M20237) $550.00
This hard to find, early regulation U.S. Ordnance-issue waist belt plate, circa 1847 to 1855, is the 1839 pattern belt plate specifically designed for enlisted mounted dragoons or riflemen. The belt plate device, in fine, non-dug condition, measures 56 x 88mm and is constructed with a die-struck, rolled brass face that features large raised letters "US". Though often referred to as an 'oval' belt plate, the dragoon specimen plates are more elliptical than the regular infantry oval plates. Backside of the this plate, complete with its intact brass stud-type or puppy paw hooks with single clasp, is lead filled and in very strong, smooth, non-erosive condition. No maker's stamp. Different from the infantry oval plates, the hooks of the dragoon plates have been arranged so that the 'paws' and 'clasp' are reversed with the fixed studs or paws found behind the letter "S" and the hook behind the letter "U". This was done to accommodate a dragoon's saber belt. Plate also exhibits a pronounced convex shape and features the raised letters "US" that are short and have thick serifs. Plate wears a bronze patina overall with just hints dark oxidation scattered about the face. Face appears to have been cleaned at one time and exhibits a brass sheen. Double borders edge the plate. This very nice original condition, brass U.S. waist belt plate employed by the Federal enlisted dragoon or rifleman, is a sought after artifact and one worthy of any Civil War display or belt plate collection.
(M20424) $450.00
This small, maker-marked, regulation 1839 pattern brass waist belt plate is one of the variant types used by U.S. enlisted dragoons or riflemen prior to and early in the Civil War. A good number of states continued to purchase these small US plates for their troops during the early part of the war. Box plate measures 41mm x 71mm and is constructed of die-struck, rolled brass with a lead filled backing set with brass belt hooks. Plate face is in absolutely excellent-plus condition and retains just about all of its original, bright gold gilt. No dings, dents or scratches are evident on this specimen save two tiny dark oxidation spots at the border over the letter "S". They do not detract from its remarkable appearance. The specimen's lead backing has its single brass arrowhead hook and clasp device, both strong and tight. Lead is smooth with no signs of erosion or blemishes, save for normal scuffing. No maker's stamp visible. Here is an wonderful example of a government regulation 1839 pattern, small brass oval waist belt plate from the pre and early Civil War period in outstanding condition. An extraordinary oval belt plate to add to any accoutrement or plate collection.
(M20235) $550.00
(M20915) $450.00
This Federal infantry brass waist belt plate is of the early regulation 1839 pattern that measures 88 mm x 56 mm. Construction of this device is via the die-struck, rolled brass method. The slightly convex plate bears large raised letters "US" on the plate face. Face has been heavily cleaned at one time and exhibits a bright bronze patina overall. Surface has a moderate inward push at the double border adjacent to the letter "S". Other minor scattered dents appear along the edges. Backside of the plate is lead filled and retains the later war, brass 'arrowhead' hooks with the single clasp. Lead surface is very strong and tight with no erosion, cracking or pockmarks. A nice representative Civil War artifact for any military display.
(558-533) $225.00
Here is a small, oval brass waist belt plate referred to as a regulation 1839 Pattern Infantry enlisted variant, circa 1830 to 1844. Interestingly, this example of belt plate was also worn by U.S. enlisted Dragoons on their saber belts prior to the Civil War. The almost flat, oval plate measures 70mm x 40mm with construction that features a die-struck, rolled brass face with letters "U S" prominent in the center face. The back side of the accoutrement is filled with lead and displays a continuous single iron wire set of belt hooks embedded in the lead. The two belt hooks are positioned behind the letter "S" as found in Dragoon accoutrements. A fine coating of slight surface rust is seen on these iron hooks. The small US plate is in wonderful veteran condition and exhibits a dark, bronze dusky patina on the face surface. Scattered areas of dark oxidation also highlight the piece and add a bit of character to this artifact. The double border edge is clean and shows no edge nicks or roughness. Backing is filled with dark gray lead which is smooth and hard and shows no erosion or blemishes. A classic example of an US accouterment from the pre and early war period that is in very good original condition. Specimen certain to enhance any military belt plate collection or a personal display.
(M20232) $495.00
Here is a small, oval brass waist belt plate referred to as a regulation 1839 Pattern Infantry enlisted variant, circa 1830 to 1844. Interestingly, this example of belt plate was also worn by U.S. enlisted Dragoons on their saber belts prior to the Civil War. The almost flat, oval plate measures 70mm x 40mm with construction that features a die-struck, rolled brass face with letters "U S" prominent in the center face. The backside of the accoutrement is filled with lead and displays a continuous single iron wire set of belt hooks embedded in the lead. The two belt hooks are positioned behind the letter "S" as found in Dragoon accoutrements. A fine coating of slight surface rust is seen on these iron hooks. The small US plate is in wonderful veteran condition and exhibits a dark, bronze dusky patina on the face surface. Scattered areas of dark oxidation also highlight the piece and add a bit of character to this artifact. The double border edge is clean and shows no edge nicks or roughness. Backing is filled with dark gray lead which is smooth and hard and shows no erosion or blemishes. A classic example of an US accouterment from the pre and early war period that is in very good original condition. Specimen certain to enhance any military belt plate collection or a personal display.
(M20236) $495.00
[See this exact plate in O'Donnell & Campbell, p. 302, #483. Frontal patina bright & coppery, w/ moderate scratching & scattered dings. Reverse "puppy paw" hooks, all present; solid & intact. Lead backing clean & intact, w/some scratching & its white-inked maker mark, "W.H. Smith/ Brooklyn", stamped crisply between front and rear hooks. Also the word "Left" in black ink. Plate very slightly bent, & outer rim is slightly wavy. Else VG, w/crisp maker-mark.
(M20253) $650.00
Plate measures 56 x 87 mm. The face is a die-struck rolled brass face. It is lead filled with brass arrow belt hooks. Plate is unmarked. The plate has a nice semi-bright original patina.
(20-2480) $350.00
This excavated Federal waist belt plate is of the regulation 1839 pattern for enlisted infantry, ca. 1864. Construction for the plate is via the die-struck, rolled brass face method, set with a lead filled back and tow brass arrowhead hooks and a single clasp. The oval plate measures 55 mm x 87 mm is in very good excavated condition. Recovered from an unknown location, this convex specimen is not dented and features the large raised letters "US" on its face. Plate exhibits a mottled dark chocolate brown patina overall with scattered rust oxidation on the surface. Backside of the plate is lead filled but shows moderate edge erosion, some flaking and a dime-size spot of red rust. Single bar clasp has been pressed down touching the lead surface. No maker's name visible. This late-war pattern excavated U.S. waist belt plate is a fine original artifact of the war and would fit nicely in any Civil War display or collection.
(348-74) $265.00
Infantry Enlisted. Construction: Die-struck rolled brass plate. Lead filled with brass arrow belt hooks or studs. Buckle has a untouched dull finish. Some light scratches on the face. Many dings on the S. Buckle is unmarked.
(M18500) $295.00
Infantry Enlisted. Construction: Die-struck rolled brass plate. Lead filled with brass arrow belt hooks or studs. Buckle has a very lightly polished finish. Normal scratches and dings from wear. Buckle is unmarked.
(M18502) $295.00
Infantry Enlisted. Construction: Die-struck rolled brass plate. Lead filled with brass arrow belt hooks or studs. American Military Belt Plates by O'Donnell & Duncan, Plate 507. Buckle has a lightly polished semi bright finish. One small dings on the U. and one above the S. Buckle is unmarked.
(M18506) $325.00
Infantry Enlisted. Construction: Die-struck rolled brass plate. Lead filled with brass arrow belt hooks or studs. American Military Belt Plates by O'Donnell & Duncan, Plate 506. Buckle has a lightly polished semi bright finish. Two small dings above the U. Not perfectly shaped. Buckle is unmarked.
(M18509) $325.00
Infantry Enlisted. Construction: Die-struck rolled brass plate. Lead filled with brass arrow belt hooks or studs. Buckle has a lightly polished semi bright finish. Some dings and scratches on the face. Buckle is unmarked.
(M18510) $325.00
(M18517) $325.00
This Federal rectangular eagle / wreath waist belt plate is a typical Model 1851 officer's specimen. In very good overall condition, this convex-shaped brass device measures 49 x 81 mm and was defined in U.S. General Order # 31 as being constructed of gilt cast brass with an integral spread-winged eagle and laurel wreath motif on the face. An applied broad brass tongue is on the reverse. Specimen has a finely stippled background and features the bold motif of the spreadwinged eagle with a shield on his breast gripping an olive branch with its right talon and holding three arrows in the left talon. Overall wear is at a very minimum as the plate still exhibits sharp and distinct edges about the feathers and laurel wreath. Protruding areas such as the surface on the shield device and the main ribs of the wings exhibit more even wear from use. Letters in the national motto are lightly worn. A single row of eight 5-pointed stars sits above the motto with five more resting beneath it. Plate shows no benchmark. The belt loop has a slight bend but is strong. Face has acquired a pleasing, rich, dark bronze patina overall with traces of surface grime still held in scattered crevices. No maker's mark is visible on the back. This original Federal officer's rectangular brass sword belt plate is an honest specimen from the Civil War and would make a fine addition to any military artifact collection.
(M20577) $300.00
This classic, veteran Federal rectangular eagle wreath waist belt plate with its keeper is a fine, Allegheny Arsenal-stamped Model 1851 NCO specimen of the Civil War era. In fine overall condition, this convex-shaped, brass device measures 84mm x 51mm and follows the Ordnance Manual directive published in November 1861 as being constructed of gilt cast brass with an integral brass spread-winged eagle and applied three-piece, nickel-silver laurel wreath with its tips above the wings.
Sword plate specimen retains its wonderful original nickel-silver wreath strongly affixed to the face. Specimen's face has a stippled background with sunburst rays that features the motif of the spreadwinged eagle. Eagle wears a shield on his breast while gripping an olive branch with its right talon and holding three arrows in the left talon. Plate is very pleasing and exhibits light wear overall to the higher protruding areas such as the shield's surface and the eagle's wings. Moderate wear is evident to the letters on the pennant in the eagle's beak. The eight, 5-pointed stars that sit above the motto are also rubbed well. Plate bears the benchmark of "894" while the keeper shows "878".
Keeper is not a match but fits nicely and has been with the plate forever. A narrow, integral cast-brass tongue on the reverse is strong and tight. A fine and clear "U S / ALLEGHENY / ARSENAL" stamping is shown on the backside at the center. Entire plate face has acquired a rich and pleasing mellow bronze patina overall. Few spots of dark discoloring appear on the plate. Here is an original, Model 1851 regulation, Civil War NCO's rectangular brass sword belt plate in fine veteran condition.
(M20286) $950.00
This Federal rectangular eagle wreath waist belt plate is a typical Model 1851 NCO's early war specimen sans the keeper. In very strong overall condition, this convex-shaped brass device measures 87mm x 55mm and follows the Ordnance Manual directive published in November 1861 as being constructed of gilt cast brass with an integral spread-winged eagle and applied nickel-silver laurel wreath with its tips below the wings. A narrow integral cast-brass tongue is on the reverse. Specimen has a clear stippled background and features the motif of the spreadwinged eagle with a shield on his breast gripping an olive branch with its right talon and holding three arrows in the left talon. Higher protruding areas such as the shield's surface exhibit light wear. The vertical bars on the shield and its border edges are distinct. Main ribs of the bird's wings exhibit normal wear but its pinfeathers are clearly visible and distinct. Letters in the national motto are strong but lightly rubbed. A single row of eight, 5-pointed stars sit above the motto and are clear. Plate bears a strong benchmark of "366" stamped on the backside near the tongue. Belt loop is strong with no bends or cracks. Plate face has acquired a mellow bronze patina overall and retains much of the original gold gilt around the perimeter. No maker's mark visible. Here is an original Civil War NCO's rectangular eagle wreath brass sword belt plate in fine condition at a reasonable price.
(M20224) $375.00
This regulation 1851 pattern officer's waist belt plate is in very good excavated condition overall. Recovered from an unknown location, this rectangular belt plate is constructed of cast brass and features in integral eagle motif with a three-piece laurel wreath on its face. Specimen shows a nice stippled background on the face and features a spreadwinged eagle with a pennant in its beak and a shield on his breast. Eagle grips an olive branch with its right talon and holding three arrows in the left talon. Surrounding the pennant are thirteen 5-point stars. Entire plate exterior surface exhibits a rich, hard, rust-coated chocolate color with fine rust pockmarking overall. An applied, narrow brass tongue rests on the reverse. Overall plate wear is at a minimum and exhibits sharp and distinct edges about the feathers and laurel wreath. Letters "E PLURIBUS UNUM" in the national motto are visible but worn down, as is the shield device. No maker's mark is visible on the plate. No benchmarks visible on the plate or the accompanying original keeper. A wonderful, complete, excavated, U.S. officer's rectangular waist belt plate and keeper.
(348-64) $450.00
This remarkable brass plate device is referred to as a Militia Panel waist belt plate, ca. 1850-1865 and was a very popular style of plate produced before and during the Civil War. Rectangular plate is in excellent non-dug condition and measures 57mm high x 85mm long. Specimen is constructed in the die-struck, rolled brass method with an applied brass tongue, a narrow brass belt loop bar and two small keepers. The panel plate never had a lead filled backing. The brass accoutrement's face has a finely detailed surface depicting a raised spread-winged eagle looking over his right wing while holding three arrows in his right talon and an olive branch in his left. Eagle is centered within a thin, raised border with cupped corners against a plain background. Beyond the raised border and along the entire perimeter of the plate face is a stippled border field embossed with thirteen five-point stars and a shield device at the bottom center of the plate face. Plate face is well preserved and exhibits mild surface wear to the higher spots but the eagle's pinfeathers are clearly visible with the naked eye. Plate surface has acquired a wonderful mellow bronze patina along with tiny spots of light oxidation in the plate crevices. One very slight push is noticeable at the upper right edge quadrant and exhibits faint edge separation along the plate outer border. Tongue, bar and keepers very strong and tight. No maker's marks visible. This is a seldom seen, original, brass militia panel plate in wonderful condition. Piece would enhance any military belt plate display or Civil War collection.
(348-69) $495.00
(558-527) $550.00
Here is a fine, original and complete Model 1839 pattern brass oval box plate as used on early war Federal cartridge boxes. This oval artifact measures 3½" x 2¼" and has acquired a mellow brown patina on its face along with scattered spots of oxidation. The brass plate surface bears a normal amount of dings and dents from age and use but offers an overall very fine appearance. One of the most common Civil War accoutrements, this box plate once adorned the leather outer flap of a Union infantryman's cartridge box. Backside of the plate exhibits its two original iron loops still strong and intact with no rust. Lead filled plate back shows no evidence of lead erosion. No maker's stampings are visual on the lead surface. A wonderful brass US oval plate specimen to add to any Civil War collection.
(515-530) $225.00
Here is an original, unexcavated Model 1839 pattern brass oval box plate as used on early war Federal cartridge boxes. One of the most common of Civil War accoutrements, this box plate once adorned the leather outer flap of a Union infantryman's cartridge box. The oval artifact, which appears to have been cleaned at one time, measures 89mm x 58mm and bears a semi-bright sheen on its face along with scattered spots of dark oxidation and small dings. Backside of the plate exhibits its two original iron loops still very strong and tight. Lead filled plate back very good with no evidence of erosion or cracking. No maker's stampings are visual on the lead surface. A wonderful brass US oval plate specimen to add to any Civil War collection.
(558-530) $375.00
This small, maker-marked 1839 pattern, brass cartridge box plate is one of the variant types used by U.S. enlisted dragoons or riflemen early in the Civil War, ca. 1861. Box plate measures 41mm x 72mm and is constructed of die-struck, rolled brass with a lead filled backing set with two iron wire loops. Plate face is in excellent condition and retains almost all of its original, bright gold gilt. A few dings and dents from use are evident on this specimen but they do not detract from its wonderful appearance. The specimen's lead backing has both iron loops, strong and tight, and the lead itself is smooth with no signs of erosion or cracking. Stamped on the back is the maker "W. H. SMITH / BROOKLYN" in sharp and distinct block lettering. William Smith was a New York metal worker who produced thousands of regulation plates during the Civil War. A number of states continued to purchase these small US plates for their troops during the early part of the war. Here is a very fine, good looking and maker stamped, brass accouterment from the pre and early war period in outstanding condition. An extraordinary oval belt plate to add to any accoutrement or plate collection.
(M20238) $695.00
This excavated Federal cartridge plate is of the early regulation 1839 pattern for enlisted infantry, ca. 1862 - 1864. Construction for this box plate is via the die-struck, rolled brass face method, set with a lead filled back and two iron wire belt loops. The oval plate measures 56 mm x 87 mm is in very good excavated condition. Each loop wears a surface of rust but each is strong and tight. Recovered from an unknown location, this convex specimen is not dented and features the large raised letters "US" on its face. Plate exhibits a mottled dark brown patina overall with scattered traces of dirt and rust oxidation near the upper double border. Face exhibits some old scratch marks below the letter "S". Backside of the plate, complete with the two loops, is lead filled and exhibits light to moderate surface flaking with some edge erosion present. No maker's name visible but there is a white circular adhesive disc affixed to the lead surface. This early pattern, dug U.S. box plate is a fine representative artifact of the war and would fit nicely in any Civil War display or collection.
(348-72) $225.00
With replaced hooks. Small size plate, 2.75"x1.5". Bright face with some age spots. Back has 100% lead & one brass wire replaced hook.
(M9743) ORIGINALLY $200.00 REDUCED TO $175.00