Union "US" Belt Plate, Antietam

Union Belt Plate recovered in Antietam in 1992. Click photo and "Detailed Description".

Union “US” belt plate. It measures 54mm x 84mm, which is considered a medium size, an early design which is rarer then the slightly larger examples. It has complete lead with the two “puppy paw” studs on the reverse, the hook is gone, probably why it was originally lost by the soldier. The face has a beautiful brownish green patina and there is some very slight damage just above the “S”, not sure if it was battle related. 

This plate was recovered in March 1992 on private property at the Antietam Maryland Battlefield. It is very solid with a beautiful face and has been in my private collection since shortly after being recovered. It has its own display case where the plate can easily be removed from the back. There is a brass plaque on it stating “Civil War Union Belt Plate / Battle of Antietam, September 17, 1862 / Recovered on Battlefield – March 1992”. A fantastic piece which has been in my private collection since recovered.