This example of the U.S. Model 1855 Rifleman’s buckle has both of its belt support slides as well as the two fastening plates. All the pieces were dug at Shelbyville, TN and have an olive-green patina on the face.

These buckles were regulation in the prewar U.S. army for what was envisioned as a “corps of foot riflemen,” with the 9th and 10th U.S. infantry taking the lead, and were widely worn by militia units equipping themselves as riflemen, though the distinction was rapidly lost as the .58 rifle musket became the standard long arm. They nevertheless show up in lots of early war photographs, into 1862, after which they were supplanted by the standard infantry gear that had evolved from the earlier narrow belts and small size M1839 oval US belt plates.

Many also found their way into Confederate service as evidenced by this one being found in the camp of the 16^th Alabama in Shelbyville, Tennessee.    [AD] [ph:L]

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