See O’Donnell and Campbell, Plate 554, indicates plates of this letter style date 1861 to 1863 and “saw considerable use in both theatres of the Civil War.” This follows the standard configuration of state plates following the US 1839 pattern and is made of die-struck rolled brass with a lead solder fill holding brass stud belt hooks. This one has nice distinct detail on the letters, inner border, and rim. The face is brown with a mix of light green and gray, but not unattractive. The rim has just two shallow dings at upper left and one even smaller one at lower left. The fill is completely in place and intact, showing white and brown. Both studs and the belt hook are present and firmly in place.

This is a scarce Civil War infantry belt plate used by Ohio volunteer troops, keeping the OVM designation of the Ohio Volunteer Militia, which had been formed in 1857. It would be in place in any infantry or accoutrement plate collection, but could really be the centerpiece of an Ohio display.  [sr] [ph:L]

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