Here Ya Go

[chucksr]

All you artillery folks--here's a test. I picked this up from an antique dealer several years ago. Do you recognize the plate?

 

[major bill]

Thank you for posting this. I am not a belt plate kind of guy but I had a good idea of the era. I had to look this up in my copy of J. Duncan Campbell and Edger M. Howell American Military Insignia 1800-1851. Sure looks like figure 60 on page 34 of that book.

 

[zburkett]

Thanks Major. So what is it?

 

[UCVRelics]

1821 Artillery Officers Belt Plate.

 

[chucksr]

That didn't didn't take long! Not sure what it was doing on a homemade plaque of alleged Civil War stuff is anybodies' guess.

 

[major bill]

The appearance of the American Eagle used on these plates and such changed over time. However some militia units still liked the older styles and using the style of the eagle and judging a piece by the style of the eagle is not an exact science.

 

[chucksr]

According to a note on the plaque this plate came on, it some shoulder boards (GAR I think) and several other items--a 20th Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry "Survivors Association" pin belonged to a Capt. Benjamin Sweeny of that 6 month regiment. I suppose it is possible that some militia folks used old belt plates like the above even if the branch of service was so removed--artillery/cavalry! I guess an artillery plate would hold up a cavalry troopers pants ok.
Here's how it all came to me at an estate sale.