Rectangular Brass Confederate Virginia Belt Plate, recovered at Williamsburg, VA

This is another nice piece being offered, it is a Confederate Virginia Belt Plate. It is made of brass and measures 2 1/4” x 3 1/4”. The back shows the soldered remnants of the attachment hooks, now missing, but the tongue still remains. An example of this plate is in “Confederate Belt Buckles and Plates” by Steve E Mullinax – Plate #412 (see pictures). It was recovered years ago on the Williamsburg, Virginia Battlefield.

After the Confederate retreat from Yorktown, Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan sent forward his III Corps to pursue the Confederates under Gen Joseph E. Johnston. The Union troops caught up with the Rebels four miles southeast of Williamsburg and attacked on May 5, 1862.

Heavy fighting ensued along Johnston’s defenses as both sides brought up reinforcements. The Confederates counterattacked the Union left, while the Federals gained ground on their right. That evening, Johnston pulled back, and McClellan followed. The battle was inconclusive, but there were 2,283 Union casualties and 1,560 Confederate casualties.

This plate has the original dark greenish-brown mixed patina. It remains in very good condition with the original uncleaned patina – most sheet brass plates were susceptible to bends and folds, but this one is excellent. It is an excellent example of this fragile style of belt plate. It comes in the glass top display case pictured.