PUBLISHED! Early Shoulder Belt Plate, ca. 1812. Pictured in “The Hammond Civil War Collection” by Mike McDonnell & Howard Crouch

Being offered is an early 19^th century shoulder belt plate made in Philadelphia by George Armitage. At that time, he was the primary designer and manufacturer of cap plates for the Army and Marines.

During the War of 1812, he developed an interest in fashioning belt plates as well. Armitage used some of his obsolete cap plate dies to produce attractive belt plates for Army officers and uniformed militia companies.

One of his initial efforts would be this fragile shoulder plate, apparently for wartime foot officers. Separate belt hooks were applied to a regulation 1814 enlisted artillery cap plate. Later on he constructed an improved oval version, but still using his cap plate die.

Hammond was one of the best known and successful relic hunters in Virginia over a period of 50 years. He was one of the founding members of the Northern Virginia Relic Hunters Association where he would show some of his impressive displays.

This is a very early plate, and the only one I am aware of having this Armitage conversion. It is pictured on page 204 of “The Hammond Civil War Collection”.  It comes in the glass top display case pictured.