Original Item. Only One Available. This is an absolutely gorgeous example of a Militia waist belt plate used during the 1820s & 1830s, around the Seminole & First Indian Wars. This exact style of buckle can be found on Page 117 of O’Donnell and Campbell’s book, American Military Belt Plates, and was in use from roughly 1825 until 1835.

The buckle measures roughly 55 x 77mm, and is a rolled brass planchet struck in the center by a convex die with an applied brass tongue and belt loop bar. The buckle retains both of its original iron keepers, very rare to see. The militia plate displays the spread-wing eagle with talon on shield, four arrows and olive branch, featured on infantry officers’ regulation two-piece waist belt plates, circa 1819-1934. 

There is minor verdigris on the reverse of the plate, and good service wear overall, with a glorious patina. This one has held up very well for being 200+ years old.

Comes ready for further research and display!