✅ SOLVED NEED ID AND POSSIBLE DATE - BOX PLATE????

[Jessie22]

Think I found a military/militia box plate but have no clue as to the date. Think its made of brass/copper and has an embossed eagle with wings spread, shield in the center, talons holding arrows, and olive branch. A banner with "e Pluribus Unum" is between the wing span. Some I have asked think its pre-civil war and others think its maybe WWI because the motto was not used until around 1902. Measures 2 5/8" x 2 1/4". Any help is greatly appreciated. Its a pretty nice piece.

Jessie22

 

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[deepsecrets]

Think that Militia plate is older than Civil war - take a look at these links. Great find - congrats!!

http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/my-best-finds/104660-common-militia-belt-plate.html
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/7479245_us-militia-officer-sword-belt-plate

 

[Jessie22]

Many, many Thanks, Deepsecrets. Your links were just what I needed. Looking at my piece closer and comparing to the link photos, I can now see the stars above the banner, and on the back under the left wing and close to the 4 holes, I can now see where the belt hasp was probably broken off. Not sure about the holes on each side but can only assume that the soldier used the belt plate as a decoration, after the hasp broke, and drilled them for attachment. But what do I know. I'm relatively new at this but loving every minute of it. I feel I now safely have a reference date as to its age. Again, your help is greatly appreciated. Thanks. TN is awesome.

 

[duggap]

From "American Military Belt Plates" by O'Donnell and Campbell, on page 110 they show your plate as a Waist Belt Plate ca. 1825-1835. They are called "common" by the book, but as I said once before, they should strike the work common. I sure have never found one and wish I could. I guess the holes are from nailing it to something.

 

[villagenut]

Interesting that this plate was holed up as well, maybe a similar reason??

http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/today-s-finds/466354-1800-s-waist-belt-plate-wohooo.html

 

[Jessie22]

Very nice find Villagenut. We may never know the reason for the holes. They certainly don't take away from the history in any way......they only add to it.

 

[ANTIQUARIAN]

Very nice find Jessie!
I think what makes it a special find, is the original owner was proud of it and 're-purposed' it for display.

Dave

 

[sutphin]

JESSIE THAT IS A AWESOME PLATE MAN . THAT JEWL IS GONNA LOOK GOOD IN A SHOWCASE . THAT IS A SWEET FIND FOR SURE ..

 

[BosnMate]

I guess the holes are from nailing it to something.

Or riveting it to leather.