This brass, rectangular waist belt plate is a regulation 1851 pattern officer’s belt plate used with a black bridle leather belt typically worn in the Civil War. In very good condition, this M1851 plate is constructed of cast brass and displays high detail.  Slightly convex, the specimen measures 3¼” long x 2” high and exhibits the stippled background and features a spreadwinged eagle with a pennant in its beak and a shield on his breast.  The tips of the wreath extend above the wingtips.  Eagle holds an olive branch with its right talon and holding three arrows in the left talon. Surrounding the pennant are thirteen 5-point stars. Entire plate exterior surface exhibits a pleasing and mellow bronze patina with few spots of what appears to be old white paint.  An integral brass tongue rests on the reverse. Overall plate wear is light and exhibits just slightly worn edges about the higher points of the feathers and the laurel wreath. Letters “E PLURIBUS UNUM” in the national motto are visible with minor wear.

The black bridle leather rig is an old reproduction enlisted sword waist belt in good overall condition and included the two saber straps with drops and the over the shoulder strap. Belt measures a large 50” long by 1½” wide. Belt has been field modified with additional holes. No maker’s stamp visible on the belt that is supple and strong. A wonderful, original, non-excavated Model 1851 officer’s rectangular waist belt plate and keeper mated to a reproduction belt rig.  Priced right.