This is the standard Civil War belt plate for infantrymen. Introduced in 1839, these plates are stamped rolled brass with a lead-solder filled back securing the belt hooks. Initially issued to both infantry and dragoons, these became specific to infantry and other foot troops after the introduction of the 1851 sword belt plates. They remained regulation, with variation in the hooks used – wire, flat brass arrowheads, brass studs, etc.- until 1872.

This one is non-dug and shows the two arrowback hooks that first show up in 1862 and became general issue 1863-1865. The face shows scattered small dings and a few stains. The rim shows one ding at upper left and a couple of much smaller ones at lower left. The lead fill is very good, showing a couple of dings near the fastening hook from the soldier fastening it an unfastening it. Midway between the fastening hook and arrowheads is a small stamped “30” highlighted by a collector with some white chalk. Plates requiring hand fitting to a matching hasp are often bench numbered to keep them together during final assembly, but the infantry belt plate requires no such work and the number here is more likely a soldier’s number within the company, stamped to identify individual gear. This was not only handy for a sergeant keeping track of issue equipment, but to the soldier who would be charged for its loss.   [sr] [ph:L]

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