This plate preserves better than 90 percent of its original bright gilt finish, with just some wear to a couple of high points and scattered spots. The edges are great, with no dents or dings. The reverse has a nice, even lead solder fill with the iron wire hooks in place and complete.

These plates were introduced in 1826 for use on the bayonet shoulder belt. Initially made of brass for artillery and white metal for infantry, both services adopted brass in 1831. With the abolition of the bayonet belt and introduction of the 1840 sword patterns, the plate became regulation for the NCO and musician’s sword shoulder belts and was used throughout the Civil War, being supplanted after the war as those swords were moved to the waist belt. These plates are different from the cartridge box belt plates with two fixed loops on the reverse and are many times rarer.    [sr] [ph:L]

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