Solid cast brass rectangular plate with the state of Virginia coat of arms at center showing Virtue standing with sword in hand over a fallen tyrant. The details of the casting are excellent. The rolling fields and hills in the seal are clear as is the lined sky in the background. Both Virtue and the tyrant stand out in high relief. The broken chain and fallen crown of the tyrant are also clearly visible.

The coat of arms is surrounded by a raised oval riband that reads “SIC SEMPER TYRANNIS” across the top and “VIRGINIA” across the bottom. All lettering is clear. This in turn is set in a stippled field with a plain smooth border. The keeper is cast in one end and is an integral part of the plate.

The face has a light patina and some waviness just above the tyrant’s head. Edges are free of nicks or dents.

The reverse of the plate has scattered pits from casting and light discoloration. The narrow tongue is present. Just below the tongue on the surface of the plate is a dark crease line. This may be an old repair however it does not show on the front. This may also have been cause by using the plate to pound something. Whatever the cause it corresponds with the waviness on the front. There are no cracks in the plate front or back. The edges of the tongue show much wear from use. The plate has a bench mark of “904.”

The loop on the left side of the belt has a repair visible at both the top and the bottom where it connects to the body of the plate - it appears that that piece is a complete replacement.

The plate is attached to an excellent conditioned buff leather saber or “Dragoon” belt. The end of the belt opposite the plate has a sewn brass keeper that bears a different bench mark number from the plate. The keeper is marked “889.” Despite the mismatch the plate and keeper fit together well. The belt has both adjustable drops with cut holes and brass studs. Brass sword hook is present and is rather large. Belt is reinforced with leather where the drops attach to the belt. All leather is in excellent supple shape.

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