This Federal rectangular eagle / wreath waist belt plate is a typical Model 1851 officer’s early war specimen. In fine overall condition, this convex-shaped brass device measures 51 x 84 mm and 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. Overall wear is minimal as the plate exhibits sharp and distinct edges about the eagle’s feathers and the shield device. Higher protruding areas such as the shield’s surface still retain the small individual stars resting on the horizontal-lined background. The vertical bars on the shield and its border edge are strong and distinct. Main ribs of the bird’s wings exhibit little wear and its pinfeathers are clear and sharp. Laurel wreath shows just very minor rubbing on its outer leaves. Letters in the national motto are lightly worn. A single row of eight 5-pointed stars sits above the motto.

Plate has no benchmark. The belt loop is unbent, strong with no cracks. Wide tongue is just very slightly pushed inward. The face of this plate has acquired a mellow bronze patina overall. No maker’s mark is visible on the back. A pleasing and original Civil War Federal officer’s rectangular brass sword belt plate in fine condition at a great price.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS,

CLICK ON ‘CONTACT US’ AT THE TOP OF ANY PAGE ON THE SITE,

THEN ON ‘LAYAWAY POLICY’.

THANK YOU!