O’Donnell and Campbell note the “extra fine detail” of these belt plates bearing the Massachusetts state seal, pictured as Plate 700, and this one knocks the socks off the one illustrated for condition and completeness, coming not only with its hasp, but its saber belt as well. The seal is rendered on a stippled background and preserves a medium patina with some light rubbing on high points and some of the edge that has not effaced any detail and rather highlights the motifs of the standing figure at center, arm with sword at top, motto, sun rays, C-scrolls and wreath. Plate and hasp have matching bench number: 225. O’Donnell and Campbell note that although the design may date back to 1861-65, no examples have been excavated or discovered in a clear Civil War context and they date the plate broadly to 1865-1890 with use by Massachusetts militia, and note it was listed for sale in the Ames Sword Company catalog.

The belt itself is blackened leather. The hasp is secured in place by the belt end passing through its side bar and being stitched in place. The other end passes through the side bar of the plate and doubles back inside where it is sewn down. Traces of other stitching inside the belt, however, indicate it was originally adjustable, likely by a narrow billet and small buckle that avoided unsightly holes in the belt for a brass adjusting hook like those on period US army saber belts. Two small horseshoe rings are sewn to the lower edge of the belt, one showing much of its original black finish. These are secured by narrow tabs fixing them in position, much like the Civil War saber belts for light artillery, and were plainly for narrow saber slings now missing. The blackening shows some slight wear and there is one short crease near hasp that has opened slightly on the bottom edge of the belt that would be an easy repair if you planned to put any stress on it by mounting it on a form or attaching a sword.

This is a great looking belt rig and very appealing plate. [sr] [ph:m]

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