A nice example of the regulation US Model 1851 sword belt plate. This is an early version of the enlisted sword belt plate issued to cavalry, mounted artillery, infantry sergeants, and others who might carry a sword or saber. These differ from the commercially produced plates privately purchased by officers in having the wreath under the eagle made of nickel silver (“German silver”) and separately applied. This is the early version with the wreath made in three pieces so that it shows above the wing tips of the eagle, where mid-war and later production plates tend be taller and use a one piece wreath. The wreath elements were simply “sweated” onto the plate and are frequently missing. This one is missing the small tip of the wreath on the left, but the main body of the wreath and the tip at right are still in place and secure.

The place has a nice medium, green and brown patina, with the face showing some lighter green and gray in the in the recessed areas around the eagle. There are no bends or breaks, and only very minor dings. This comes from the collections of O.T. Reilly, a Sharpsburg resident who acted as an early battlefield guide, published guide books, and had a relic shop on the public square in Sharpsburg. (He displayed and sold individual relics and also created relic pyramids and obelisks like his Gettysburg compatriots.) Portions of his collection ended up in the Scoper Museum in Boonsboro as well. This has a nice look typical of an early battlefield pick-up.  [sr] [PH:L]

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