Posted 5 years ago
Johnant
(80 items)
1818 1835 militia officers waist belt plate ....???? I’m hoping this is original any help you can give me would be appreciated
Pick this up today I believe it to be real any help please let me know
1818 to 1835 Militia officers waist belt plate ???? | ||
| Belt Buckles31 of 303 |  |  |
I don't know if it is real but here are a couple of my concerns. First, the eagle is facing to the right, on the great seal it faces left. Second, the arrows and olive branch are in the wrong claws, olive branch to the left and arrows to the right. Third, there should be 13 arrows and 13 olives on the branch, one for each state. That said it may be a variation and not meant to represent the Great Seal of the United States.
Looking on line I do see a couple of similar belt plates listed as artillery officer belts but there have been 1000's faked military items and it would be difficult to verify except by an expert. Good luck.
Design is correct-- these are early militia plates dating from 1818 to 1835 (some sources general date from 1820s- 40s), but they have been found in Civil War campsites.
Originals are die stamped and the reproductions are cast, so reproductions are usually thicker.
Most that I have seen have a rounded tongue, but I don't know if that is a distinguishing factor.
Wish I could provide more information, but belt plates are not my arena.
scott