This is a very good example of a very scarce plate. See O’Donnell and Campbell Plate 588 for a parallel example and commentary. This retains a very good edge and detail to the raised design on the face, with good surface on the reverse with the loops intact and secure. The face shows the state seal of Pennsylvania: a sailing ship, plow and hay stacks representing agriculture and commerce on a shield, with an eagle and two horses as heraldic supporters, and "RB" for “Reserve Brigade” at bottom. This has a pleasing, mellow, aged patina varied by a few darker age spots, some thin verdigris or slight rubbing. The reverse shows some age stains, but no losses. Please see our photos.

The maker of these plates has not been identified, but was certainly in the Philadelphia area. Some other Philadelphia-based militia units, such as the Philadelphia Home Guard and Union Artillery Guards also patronized local industry to have accoutrement plates made. The Philadelphia Reserve Brigade was formed on April 17, 1861, immediately after the fall of Fort Sumter. The brigade consisted of four militia regiments, the best known of which was the First Regiment Philadelphia Reserve Brigade, also known as the “Gray Reserves,” from the color of their early regimental coats. That regiment was activated twice: in 1862 during the Antietam Campaign, when they served as the 7^th PA Militia, and again in 1863, as the 32^nd Militia, giving these plates, and their accompanying belt plates a chance for field use. The brigade also supplied enough men to the volunteer regiments to be credited as the nucleus of both the 118^th and 119^th PA Volunteers and battlefield finds indicate some of these men wore their militia plates into volunteer service as well. See Campbell and O’Donnell, Am. Mil. Belt Plates, Plates 587 and 588. The latter is one of these cartridge box plates found on the Wilderness battlefield, where the 119^th saw action. See also Mike McAfee’s article in Military Images 23.3 for a brief synopsis of the unit.

This is an attractive and pretty tough plate to find.   [sr] [ph:L]

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