Presented here is a rare, early brass rectangular belt plate worn by Maryland volunteers during the Civil War. Prior to the war, many of the state’s volunteer militia units contracted with the well known firm of Emerson Gaylord of Chicopee, Massachusetts and purchased a number of these gilted rectangular sword belt plate accoutrements. Many of these Maryland sword belt plates went south with their volunteers and are occasionally excavated in Confederate campsites.

In almost mint condition, this handsome cast brass, slightly convex-shaped, uniform sword belt plate is a rectangular pattern plate that measures 51 mm x 88 mm. Constructed of solid brass that was impressed with a quality metal die, the plate face bears has a highly detailed rendition of the Maryland state seal set within an oval and all on a fine stippled background. On the reverse, the belt plate bears a 7/8” long tongue brazed on. No benchmarks or maker’s marks are visible. This handsome waist plate, likely an officer’s or cavalryman’s, supported the individual’s sword belt. Specimen still retains over 90% of its original bright gold gilt. A similar plate is found on page 168 in a fine reference book titled “American Military Belt Plates” by authors Michael J. O’Donnell and J. Duncan Campbell, O’Donnell Publications, 1996.

An excellent, rarely seen, Maryland rectangular sword plate specimen that would enhance any waist belt plate collection or Civil War display.

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