Here is another nice stamped brass Virginia waist belt plate made before the war by James S. Smith & Sons of New York. Hooks are missing from the reverse and face is slightly bent but still looks great. The plate measures 51 x 70mm. (It was recovered from the lawn of a former relic hunter near Somerset, Virginia, who apparently couldn't find a manhole cover with both eyes open.)

This is a great marriage between two excellent dug pieces--a war-time cast brass Confederate-made Virginia tongue (Mullinax 1999 edition Fig.#s 425 and 426) dug in central Virginia by Alvin Watson; and a wreath, also found on a pre-war Virginia two-piece (Mullinax # 406) with traces of gilt still visible. Both pieces were dug in central Virginia and bear similar patinas. This wreath was excavated near Cave's Ford in Madison County, Virginia, by a relic hunting acquaintance of Alvin's. Although the two pieces were not issued together and were unearthed in different locations they do fit in size, appearance, and state of origin. As with all of my listings, this is guaranteed authentic.

One of the many different types of Confederate general service enlistedman's issue accoutrement waist belt plates is this standard model frame buckle. Made of one-piece solid cast brass, these simple crude plates were cheap to produce and virtually unbreakable. Measuring 62 x 72mm this one is considered the most commonly made and issued. Undamaged with a nice "dug" patina this is a very inexpensive Confederate plate.

This is the classic Virginia state militia plate made of die-struck rolled brass with brass belt loop bar with keepers and tongue soldered onto the reverse. This is one of two pre-war die patterns purchased by Virginia in the 1850s. It features the 1776 Virginia coat of arms with Virtus attired as an Amazon with helmet, sword, and spear standing victorious over the prostrate body of Tyranny. "Sic Semper Tyrannis" (Thus Ever To Tyrants) is arced behind Virtus. This beautifully preserved non-excavated example is accompanied by a certificate from noted CS plate authority Steve Mullinax. I have not seen a better example of this plate!

A beautiful example of a Virginia style two-piece Confederate sword belt plate. These attractive and sturdy plates were made of cast brass and were general issue for enlisted cavalrymen. This plate was excavated some years ago from a site in central Virginia and is a very fine relic!

Beautiful CS Breckenridge-style plate unearthed in Tennessee, with all original hooks intact. Had a crack when excavated, which has been professionally repaired. A lovely example of Southern pride.