VERY SCARCE P1839 MEDIUM SIZED US BELT PLATE

$1,150.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 490-7144

Shipping: Determined by Method & Location of buyer

To Order:
Call 717-334-0347,
Fax 717-334-5016, or E-mail

According to famous authors and researchers ‘O’Donnell’ and ‘Campbell’, this style of plate is dated to 1861 and differs slightly from Mexican War era general issue plates in several distinct ways including:  a slightly crude “S” stamping on the face, and two “puppy paw” anchors on the reverse in place of the more commonly seen single or double arrow anchors and tongue.

These plates were almost certainly copied by contractors from the aforementioned plates of the decades preceding the war for the express purpose of outfitting state volunteer troops.  When Lincoln issued his call for volunteers, time was needed for Federal dress regulations and standard equipment to catch up to the sheer number of men who answered the call.  Well into the war, several states furnished their own variations of equipage and uniform items to their volunteer troops.  Well-known examples of this include: New York and its state issued jacket that blended the characteristics of a mounted jacket with the more formal Federal dress frock and Ohio’s early war “state jackets” with epaulets – among many others.

This plate was intended to secure a belt, 1.75” in width, that was considerably narrower than the more common standard issue belt that became ubiquitous among Federal troops during the war.  These belts were also inspired by the earlier models in use during the Mexican War era that did not necessarily need to accommodate a cap pouch, as the flintlock system was still in use and only a few units were issued percussion system rifles during that time.  Examples of this style have been excavated at early war battle sites across Virginia and present-day West Virginia.

The condition of this item is good, with the roll stamped brass face featuring a beautiful and bright gilded brass finish, with only a small section of wear to the right as shown.  A few spots of light tarnish and some scratching are evident, but seldom are these found in such a lovely condition for their age. It isn’t unreasonable to assume this plate either saw no service or saw very limited service during the war’s early period before being replaced by the more practical standard issue Federal belt that could accommodate a hefty bayonet with scabbard and/or frog, and the addition of a cap pouch with attachment loops too wide to securely fit onto the accompanying 1.75” belt.  Though identical to the large p1839 belt plate, it is roughly 1/3 smaller overall.  The reverse is lead filled with virtually no oxidation, a tongue, and two “puppy paw” stud attachments – all in great condition.

No collection of Civil War US equipment is fully complete without this very rare style of plate.  [cm][ph:L]

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

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

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS.

THANK YOU!

Inquire »

Inquire About VERY SCARCE P1839 MEDIUM SIZED US BELT PLATE

For inquiries, please email us at [email protected]

featured item

RARE EBERLE 1796 CONTRACT MARKED BAYONET

This rare bayonet is marked by the maker in a sunken cartouche with raised letters on the base of the blade reading “Eberle.” Charles Louis Eberle emigrated to the U.S. from Germany with brothers George A. and Henry J. in 1794, arriving in… (1052-86). Learn More »

Upcoming Events

21
Dec

Learn More »

Instagram