This Virginia sword belt plate is based on the model 1851 Federal sword belt plate. This pattern and a similar variation were manufactured from the 1860s until well after the War. Fortunately, the War era examples can be distinguished from the post-War pattern. There are a couple of differences in the Wartime plates and the plates made for Virginia Militia after the War. Based on excavated examples it is thought that only the War era plates have a number stamped into the reverse of the plate and its keeper; this is number 200 assuring that it is War time production.

The rarity rating system used in Steve Mullinax’s, Confederate Belt Buckles and Plates give this plate a rarity rating of five, which is one number lower than the Gaylord manufactured cast Virginia plate. However, I have owned at least a dozen of the Gaylord pattern and this is only the ninth Virginia in Arc that I have owned. Scott Riddle’s new Confederate Buckle book rates it a 6.

The plate is perfect and retains virtually one hundred percent of the original gilt; retains a strong body curve and it is simply stunning. Flawless!