The Confederate waist belt pictured here is known as a "Rope Border” because of the twisted rope design encircling its inner border. The plate was manufactured by die stamping the pattern into a thin sheet of brass, then trimming the scrap brass left around the border by hand with shears. Three hooks were cut out of the remaining scrap, which were then soldered in place.

This style of plate was issued to Confederate infantrymen serving in the Western Theatre. It is believed to have been made at the captured Baton Rouge US/CS Arsenal; however, this is not certain. The arsenal and the adjacent Baton Rouge Barracks were surrendered to Louisiana State Militia forces on January 10th, 1861, and later in 1861 were transferred to the Confederate Government’s control. On August 5th, 1862, the Union forces took back the barracks and arsenal and held if for the duration of the war.

Oddly, there are far more non-excavated Rope Border plates than there are excavated in good condition. I know this is the case because I have owned fourteen Rope Border plates since I started keeping computer records, but this is the only excavated example among all of those plates.

I can’t explain why this is; was it because of who they were issued to, and their service? Or because many did not get issued? Or because Yankees tended to save them as souvenirs? Surely they made the perfect souvenir. Or was it simply that they are so fragile that few survived in decent condition?

This excavated Rope Border plate has an honest, original and beautiful chocolate patina. There is a small, short crack on the right side as you face it, and almost half of one hook is missing, but it has all three of the original hooks, which have not been reattached. The plate retains its perfect form.

An attractive and honest example of a government issue Confederate infantryman’s belt plate.