The patterned 1839 belt plates came in two issues; small, measuring in 1.6” x 2.8” and large, measuring 2.2” x 3.5”.  Each buckle was made from a stamped US thin brass plate.  The smaller plate was issued for cartridge box flaps and militia riflemen.  The larger plate was distributed to infantry light rifleman.  The item here was issued to an enlisted soldier.  The back of the plate buckle is encrusted with pointed arrow hooks which replaced studs in 1863.

The belt was originally used as an N.C.O officer’s belt because it has three rows of stitching around the arrow hooks.  Arrow hooks that attach the buckle to the belt replaced studs in 1862.  The belt is bridle leather that shows signs of wear.  [MK]

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