Original U.S. 1818 Militia Officer’s Waist Belt Plate - Circa 1818-1835

Original Item. Only One Available. This is an absolutely stunning example of a Militia Officer’s waist belt plate. This exact style of buckle can be found on Page 101 of O’Donnell and Campbell’s book, American Military Belt Plates, and was in use from roughly 1818 until 1835. This is the most well-preserved example of this buckle we have seen.

The buckle measures 2⅝ x 2¾” and is vaulted stamped brass with a stunning silver finish. These were very popular among militia officers, particularly in the age of the “elegant elite” volunteer uniformed companies, where maybe some well-heeled enlisted men could wear them also, and are a collecting category of their own since there are a number of variations in the design and they were often available with gilt or silver finish, depending on the whim of the purchaser and regulations of his unit. Members of the “enrolled” militia were only required to have weapons and certain equipment. The “volunteer” companies were uniformed, usually to their own specifications.

The design shows an American eagle, essentially the arms of the United States, with a large shield on its chest, E Pluribus Unum ribbon and arc of 13 stars overhead, superimposed on a panoply of arms.

This example retains its applied tongue and side bar, which actually retains both of the iron keepers. The front shows proper tarnishment of the silver wash.

This is a truly stunning example of an already scarce belt buckle, the first of its kind we have offered. Comes ready for further research and display.