Developed from the 1826 plate for the bayonet belt, the round eagle breast plate is better known from its use as a fixed plate on the Civil War infantry cartridge box sling. For infantry non-commissioned officers and musicians carrying swords on regulation shoulder belts, however, the plate still functioned for fastening and adjustment. Early versions used iron wire bent to shape. Around 1862/63 brass arrow back studs and a fastening hook (like those coming into use on oval US infantry plates) came into use. (See O’Donnell and Campbell, Am. Mil. Belt Plates, pages 274ff.) This is a good looking example, with just one age spot on an arrow head at left, some light traces of gilt, and a fairly uniform medium patina, with good edges and no dings. The lead fill on the reverse is good. The arrow studs are present, but the fastening hook is missing. There is no maker’s mark, but comparison with identified die strikes in O’Donnell and Campbell may disclose the maker. These are scarce in comparison to the cartridge box sling plates. [sr] [ph:L]

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