This is a nice Civil War, non-dug regulation sword belt plate dating early or mid-war, using the simpler one-piece nickel (“German silver”) under the central motif of eagle with US shield on its chest, holding arrows and olive branch with stars and E Pluribus Unum ribbon overhead, all on a stippled ground with stars and sun rays above. This is the standard issue plate for enlisted men armed with swords- primarily cavalry and along with some light artillery and NCOS. The officer belt plates were privately purchased, usually of finer die work, and with silver wash applied to the wreath and often the stars. This has usually worn off, leaving these issue plates, with the wreath still bright, more striking to the eye and often mistaken for an officer’s piece.

This is in very good condition, untouched and uncleaned with a medium patina still showing some muted gilt and only slight age darkening. The belt hook on the back is in place. The belt loop on the side is not bent or distorted. This is a key plate in any Civil War belt plate collection and is nice example of the plate design following the older three-piece wreath and preceding the versions with the sun rays extending all round the eagle and one-piece wreath. [sr][ph:L]

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