This Federal rectangular eagle / wreath waist belt plate is a typical Model 1851 officer’s early war specimen. In very good overall condition, the slightly convex-shaped, solid, brass device measures 50 x 83 mm and shows evidence of surface cleaning about the eagle.

This type plate was defined in U.S. General Order # 31 as being constructed of gilt cast brass with an integral spread-winged eagle and laurel wreath motif on the face. A broad brass tongue is applied to the reverse. Specimen has a fine stippled background and features the bold motif of the spreadwinged eagle with a shield on his breast gripping an olive branch with its right talon and holding three arrows in the left talon. Higher protruding areas such as the shield’s surface, Eagle’s neck and legs, upper wing ribs and pin feathers, and parts of the wreath show moderate wear down. Pennant shows some rubbing. A single row of eight 5-pointed stars sits above the motto. Plate has benchmark of “375 E”. Belt loop strong with no cracks. The face of this plate has acquired a mellow bronze patina overall save where the eagle has been cleaned. Backside has an untouched dark brown patina and no maker’s mark is visible.

Here is a pleasing and original Federal officer’s rectangular brass sword belt plate in very good condition overall that would enhance any Civil War artifact collection.  [ra]

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