Lion Head Belt Plate

[scooter748driver]

I saw one of these online a year or more ago that was sold but thought it was a pretty cool item (maybe because I'm a Leo lol?). I found another one online this week for what seemed to be a reasonable price so I took the plunge (and hopefully didn't get soaked).

An example is shown in the book The English Connection and, allegedly on the uniforms of Charleston SC Confederates, on page 88 of Volume 1 of Photographic History of the Civil War. I say allegedly since I can't make out the buckles they are wearing on that page - I'm hopeful someone here might be able to clear up the picture shown below enough to make it out.

Wanted to share some pics and info on what, to me anyway, is an unusual early war buckle used by some Confederates (examples have been dug/excavated from war sites).

 

[UCVRelics]

Nice Piece.

 

[Cornpone and Molasses]

Great looking plate!

 

[Cornpone and Molasses]

Hi @scooter748driver,
I sent you a PM with a question about your belt plate.
Thanks,
Roland

 

[RedRover]

THe Charleston Zouave Cadet's pre-war and early war belt plate was different from your clasp type.

Here's a picture of a members showing it more closely.

CivilWarTalk: Chstn. Zouave Cadet


Here is Lt. John Bethell of Company K, 7th Florida Volunteers with what could be an import lion-face clasp type belt plate, ca. 1862. The 7th served in East Tennessee in 1862-63. Bethell left the service in early 1864.