Although evolving from the US Model 1832 general staff rectangular waist belt plates with a US in a wreath, the immediate impetus to New York’s adoption of this plate for officers and enlisted men carrying swords was the US M1851 rectangular sword belt plate with an eagle, etc., enclosed by a wreath along the bottom and sides. This plate is a nicely detailed example showing the “N.Y.” in Old English substituted for the eagle against a stippled background at center. This pattern is shown as Plate 675 in Campbell and O’Donnell.

The wreath and letters were cast integral to the plate and they remark on the good detail, suggesting a plaster or metal mold was used or that the plate was given a die-strike. The tongue is applied, and they suggest a later date in the war based on its width, but with commercial products for private purchase by officers that more likely varies by maker than fits a strict chronological sequence. The applied tongue may simply have been easier to do and the width may have better stabilized the plate in its hasp on the other belt end. This one has an XIIII on the side bar to match it up with the missing hasp. No matter how good the casting there was always a bit of hand finishing necessary and the two had to be kept together until finally mounted on a belt. This has a nice even, aged patina. We see just one small ding and lighter color at upper center.

This would make a nice addition to a US military belt plate collection and a photo of a Civil War officer wearing one would not be hard to find to display along side it.  [sr] [ph:L]

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