Brass Militia Plate Marked “M.M.G.” 

Description

Brass Militia Plate Marked “M.M.G.” 

Likely Attributed to the Montgomery Militia Guards 

Militia belt plate constructed of heavy sheet brass, its convex face deeply hand-engraved in Old English lettering with the initials “M.M.G.” — likely denoting the Montgomery Militia Guards, one of the antebellum volunteer companies that entered Civil War service. The reverse retains its original three soldered fastening hooks, oriented in the manner of a waist belt plate rather than a crossbelt plate, indicating it was worn on a soldier’s waistbelt. 

The reverse bears the inscribed name “W. C. Jones”, carefully scratched into the brass surface. The “Montgomery Guards” or “Montgomery Militia Guards” were a popular antebellum militia designation in both North and South, honoring Revolutionary War hero General Richard Montgomery. Units by this name served in Boston, Philadelphia, Savannah, and Montgomery, Alabama, with several entering Civil War service.  

Cursory research shows that the Montgomery Guards and Montgomery True Blues, which entered Confederate service as part of the 1st Alabama Infantry. A W. C. Jones is recorded in Alabama service records, though his exact company must be checked. 

Inventory Number: BEL 597