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 17 and the keeper is number 35, however based on fit, finish and patina, even to the point of having the same accidentally dripped solder on the back. I am absolutely convinced these started life together on the same belt. The odds of someone finding a non excavated match I think would be astronomical.

The rarity rating system used in Steve Mullinax’s, Confederate Belt Buckles and Plates gives 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 sixth Virginia in Arc that I have owned. (and the first with keeper, not on the original belt)

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