The star motif is most strongly associated with militia units from Mississippi and Texas and this two-piece interlocking buckle was formerly in the collections of the Texas Civil War Museum. The star, of course, could be used in a patriotic spirit by any militia unit, who usually had considerable leeway in choosing their own uniforms, etc. This buckle is the light-weight form usually classified as a “sash buckle,” one not intended to bear the strain of a fully loaded leather sword belt, but fully appropriate for an occasion not requiring the wearing of arms.

The wreath portion and both belt loops are plain. Both tongue and wreath portion are stamped brass, rather than cast. The star is plain, but is set on a lined ground, with the lines oriented in different directions, shooting out from the inner angles of the star, giving the effect of rays of a star or sunburst that was likely enhanced by a gilt finish.

The plate has an even, deep brown patina and was likely excavated, though we do not have a find location. There are a couple of slight bends in the belt loop of the wreath, but no cracks or breaks, and it displays very well. See, in particular, O’Donnell and Campbell for similar examples, or some of the standard references on southern plates, like Mullinax.  [sr][ph:L]

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