This is a variation of the 1872 Hagner plate developed for the U.S. army, which retained the slotted bar belt loop on the side and flat hook on the back of the 1851 sword belt plate, but used a raised “US” inside an oval border on the face. New Jersey, Ohio, Virginia, and other states, as well as some uniformed organizations used the plate with their initials on the face. In this case North Carolina also changed the method of fastening to three hooks on the reverse, which is reminiscent of Civil War patterns. O’Donnell and Campbell, Am. Mil. Belt Plates, illustrate it as Plate 942 and date it ca. 1895-1905. It could be earlier, but it may be no coincidence that it might date to the thirtieth anniversary of the war, when nostalgia for the Lost Cause was gaining steam and veteran organizations were at their height. The face shows some minor age staining and what may be remains of a lacquer finish. The reverse shows some verdigris under the hooks, indicating it was on a leather belt for some time.  [SR][PH:L]

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