Original Item: Only One Available. This federal infantry waist belt plate is the early regulation 1839 pattern oval US belt buckle and has a smooth brown patina with "puppy paw" style attachment studs on the reverse. The plate measures measures approximately 3.5” x 2.25”. The condition is near excellent and was not excavated (not dug up). This die-stuck specimen has the large raised letters "US" on the face and exhibits a wonderful dark bronze patina overall. The backside of the plate, complete with its brass puppy paw hooks all intact, is lead filled and still in strong condition with just a hint of surface erosion to the lead. There are however some cracks from bending near the edges. It has been stamped with the number 7 6 into the lead. The face of the convex plate is edged with double borders, with some light denting in areas. One of the nicer examples of a early 1839 pattern we have encountered.

(Reference; "American Military Belt Buckle" by Michael J. O'Connell and J. Duncan Campbell, plate 508;"Plates and Buckles of the American Military 1795-1874" by Sydney C. Kerksis, page 34; "Accoutrement Plates North and South 1861-1865" by William G. Gavin, page 15)