Panel plates, so called from the use of the central rectangular panel with scalloped corners setting off a central emblem against a frame border, came in around 1835 and became very popular in the 1840s, with an enthusiastic market among militia, fire companies, military schools, bands, etc. O’Donnell and Campbell think this die strike may be a Horstmann product with the original die sunk in the 1850s. See their Plates 403 and 404. An eagle with arrows and olive branch forms the central motif on the scalloped corner panel. The outer frame uses thirteen stars and a U.S. shield with branches extending on either side at bottom, all on a stippled ground. The condition is excellent, with no bends, dings, dents or cracks. It retains some subdued gilt finish in low lying areas and recesses, with the higher points having lost the gilt from rubbing, but now toned down to an aged brass patina. The applied belt loop and tongue bar are in place on the reverse, which has some gilt and some scattered dark spots.

O’Donnell and Campbell note the appearance of this plate in a Horstmann 1877 catalog (See p. 250) and note it remained a popular style after the war, though usually made of thin brass, or even tin coated iron, and showing inferior die work. We think this one is rather well done, but the wide belt loop and placement of the tongue bar match their Plate 404, which they date 1865 and later.    [sr] [ph:L]

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