The waist belt shown here bears South Carolina’s military seal, which is less common than the South Carolina plates with the state seal. The difference being that the state seal has two shields at the bottom of the Palmetto tree and this has twelve spears pointing upwards, which represent the other twelve colonies, coming out from the base of the Palmetto tree. The Palmetto and the spears rest on top of the fallen mighty oak, which represents England and the colonies victory over her.

Several variations of a waist belt plate bearing the South Carolina state seal were manufactured between 1845-1860. All of these are believed to have been made by a South Carolina die-sinker, most likely in Charleston.

This non excavated South Carolina plate is from that 1845-1860 period. It is a rare pattern of South Carolina’s state seal, having two shields in the tree, one of which clearly says July 4. The twelve spears represent South Carolina’s sister colonies and the fallen oak, England.

This is one of the rarer patterns, rating a seven on the Mullinax Rarity Scale. The plate is perfect in every regard and shows significant wear, reflecting its extensive use. The die strike is so very crisp that the date "July 4” can be plainly read on the tiny shield!

These were intended for Sunday soldiers; they were made light and flashy. When taken to war in 1861, the plates held up relatively well, but the light cotton web belt they were issued with quickly disintegrated under harsh field condition and more substantial belts and buckles were issued.

The plate is completely original and unaltered in any way. Its condition is perfect.