Need a little help

[gunner45]

A good friend of mine came to my house today seeking a little info on these 2 things and I really couldn't help him
They were found at an old tavern with a MD and the newest coin found was an 1812 half cent so that gives you an idea
The eagle plate has 12 stars and is pure copper and the ring, well I just don't know where it would have come from. Any help would be appreciated

 

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[NOLA_Ken]

I could be wrong but I think the plate could be a pre Civil War militia belt plate. Scroll most of the way down this page.... Buckles Page 10

 

[gunner45]

That is a really good match. I do appreciate the info.

 

[HutSiteDigger]

NOLA is right.. Pre civil war Militia belt plate more then likely made 1835-early 1840ish. Good stuff!!

 

[gunner45]

Thanks a bunch! 1 down and 1 to go. The ring I believe may be from Germany but not sure

 

[NOLA_Ken]

The ring could be from pretty much anywhere. The Maltese cross was and still is a very popular symbol. It's been used by armies, fraternal groups, and many others over the years.

 

[TheCannonballGuy]

NOLA_Ken is right... and so is Hutsitedigger, except that your friend's belt-plate dates somewhat earlier, from the 1820s. It is shown as plate #175 in the book "American Military Belt Plates." It is a Militia (not US Army) belt-plate. The book says, "Nonregulation eagle design with arc of stars overhaed, engraved by an American die-sinker during the 1820s or earlier. A popular stock pattern, it was worn by some independent [Militia] companies into the 1840s, while at least one Philadelphia area unit continued until the civil war."