This is a scarce and early-war or prewar example of a U.S. Allegheny Arsenal marked enlisted man’s sword belt plate. The pattern was regulation for cavalrymen, artillerymen armed with the saber or short sword, and infantry sergeants, who would carry the 1840 NCO sword. Officers were authorized the same pattern, but privately purchased their own equipment, usually of better quality and workmanship, with the key difference of an integrally cast wreath.

The plate is rectangular, brass, with integral side loop for the belt, and fastening hook on the reverse that engages a “keeper” on the other end of the belt. The three-piece, applied German (nickel) silver wreath surrounds the “arms of the U.S.” (an eagle with arrows and olive branch, with E Pluribus Unum ribbon, with stars and “glory” or sunburst breaking through clouds overhead.) The reverse has a worn, flat belt hook and the impressed stamp: “US / ALLEGHENY / ARSENAL.” Allegheny Arsenal received its first order for these in 1853.

This is a well-worn example of the plate as produced by the government itself. The brass and wreath have a mixed array of patinas as though something was once spilled on the plate, with scattered brown age spots and some areas of verdigris. The piece shows wear to raised details and the “body curve” has been flattened.

This is a key piece in a collection of American military belt plates. From the Texas Civil War Museum collection.   [jet] [ph:L]

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