This is the standard Union infantry enlisted man’s belt plate of the Civil War. Adopted in 1839, these plates are stamped, rolled brass with a lead solder filled back that anchors the fastening studs and belt hook. This was recovered near the Mummasburg Road along Herr Ridge here in Gettysburg and has the find location noted in old black ink on small bit of white paint, now a cream color on the back of the plate near the edge. The face of the plate has greenish-brown tones with some gray, with some light dings and some crustiness. The lead solder fill is intact, showing minor surface corrosion, gray and white in color with a little brown. The oval studs and belt hook are in place. The edge of the plate at the “S” has a noticeable bend or step to the back that must have taken some force. The find location places it near the right of Buford’s advanced lines on July 1 facing Confederate infantry coming from the west, but our best guess is that it came from Union prisoners taken later in the day’s fighting and herded back in that direction.  [ad] [PH:L]

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