CIVIL WAR, M1851 OFFICER BELT PLATE, BENCH MARK #367, ORIGINAL, VINTAGE

One piece applied silver wreath below the wings. Marked benchmark is 367. Local foundries often selected arbitrary numbers for one days (or weeks) work, beginning with different numbers the following day. Sometimes these benchmarks were numbered consecutively for the length of the contract.

Pattern 1851 sword belt buckle for cavalry and artillery enlisted men and worn by infantry Officers. This style has the applied German silver. This example is the true Officer pattern with the median rays of the sunburst extending downward as well as the more common plate. A very attractive Civil War belt buckle.

The description for the new plate can be found in the 1851 Regulations as follows:

For all officers and enlisted men--gilt, rectangular, two inches in height, with a raised bright rim; a silver wreath of laurel encircling the "Arms of the United States;" eagle, shield, scroll, and rays bright.  The motto "E Pluribus Unum."