At the start of the war, southern state militias recruited new members rapidly. The resources were not available to outfit everyone with attractive die stamped accoutrement plates. Consequently, the authorities turned to local contractors to provide simple plates with a military bearing. The result was a thin sheet brass buckle with clipped corners. Some were die stamped, others hand cut following a pattern. Strenuous field duty quickly snapped off the cheaply made soldered belt hooks. This excavated example measures 3 1/4” by 2 ¼.” All hooks on the back are missing, and the plate has an old tape label on the back that reads “VA Plate Recovered VA Peninsula.” A classic early war Confederate buckle.
Comes housed in a 6 x 8 inch display case with red velvet backing and descriptive card.
Inventory Number: CON 271 / SOLD