Silver-plated, thin copper face fused to an iron back plate and die struck. A very fine-looking eagle with shield, olive branch, and arrows adorns the face. An array of stars arcing over the eagle and there is a raised edge around the plate. The silver plate shows an attractive amount of darker tarnish.

The back has a narrow, applied brass tongue and iron wire belt loop bar with two iron tines. There is a pewter coating on the back. Measures 72mm x 52mm. Excellent condition overall.

This non-regulation eagle design with arc of stars overhead was likely engraved by an American die-sinker during the 1820s or earlier. A popular stock pattern, it was worn by some independent companies into the 1840s, while at least one Philadelphia area unit continued until the Civil War. This type is tentatively ascribed to the First Troop, Philadelphia City Cavalry.

Reference Plate 175 in “American Military Belt Plates” by Michael J. O'Donnell and J. Duncan Campbell.  [jet][ph:L]

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