Rare Medium Size US Belt Plate with Puppy Paw Studs / SOLD

Description

Rare Medium Size US Belt Plate with Puppy Paw Studs

 

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.

 

This plate was intended to secure a belt, 1.75” in width, that was considerably narrower than the more common standard issue belt.   These belts were also inspired during the Mexican War era that did not necessarily need to accommodate a cap pouch, as the flintlock system was still in use.

 

Examples of this style have been excavated at early war battle sites across Virginia and present-day West Virginia.

 

The condition is exceptional, with the roll stamped brass face featuring a beautiful and bright gilded brass finish.  Seldom are these found and even more scarce in such a lovely condition.

 

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.

 

Inventory Number: BEL 633