This style belt plate is known as a "C S Egg” due to its shape. The plate is made of die stamped red brass and originally had iron wire belt hooks soldered onto the back. Its original iron wire hooks are missing. It is clear that someone melted out the solder, not fill, ie… not the pewter that would back the Virginia style, but rather the solder that held the iron wire frog in place. This was done during the War, since it was excavated like this. Anyway, the solder was melted out to free the frog so that it could be used for something else. This could easily be restored should you desire to do so. I would leave it as it is.

What you see is the natural color of the plate; it is the original patina. Nothing has been done to the plate. Its curve remains just as it was made. The back is "tinned” from the rolling around of the plate while the solder was being melted. A little bit of the solder sloshed over the side and is on the front edge of the plate.

These plates were issued in quantity to the Army of Tennessee in 1862-1863. Another plate, which was identical to this, but had lead fill in the back was issued to the troops in the Virginia Theatre. The embossed letters "CS” are more distinct on this example than is usually found. This is a great looking plate for the price.

This was purchased from Wayne Story, son of the old time Petersburg digger Henry Story. Henry was a true Southern Gentleman, but passed away perhaps as much as ten years ago. He is missed by the community.

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