This is a nice, non-excavated M1839 cartridge box plate made and marked by “W.H. Smith / Brooklyn.”

Adopted in 1839, these plates were made of stamped, rolled brass with fastening loops on the back secured by a lead solder fill. They were both ornamental and functional, keeping the outer flap of cartridge box closed, even if unlatched. This is the scarce, smaller size, intended for use on the rifleman’s cartridges box and, in theory, on pistol and carbine boxes as well. Smith was a brass finisher by trade and may have had pre-war contracts with New York, but was advertising “brass trimmings for all kinds of military equipments” by June 1861 and seems to have been active through the summer of 1864. Interestingly, part of his advertising guaranteed his products were, “warranted to stand the United States inspection.”

This has a mostly bright finish, with no dents or dings to the face or edge. Full lead on reverse with both loops. Maker marked: “W. H. SMITH / BROOKLYN”. See specimen # 528 in “American Military Belt Plates” by O’Donnell & Campbell. Excellent condition. [jet] [ph:L]

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