Description
Beautiful rig and identical to Figure 102, American Military Insignia, 1800-1851 by J. Duncan Campbell and Edgar M. Howell (of items in the collection of the Smithsonian Institution, US National Museum). Commonly accepted thought is that the item was actually originally made as a hat plate but adapted for use as a belt buckle around the time of the Seminole or Mexican War. The original russet leather belt is intact and supple, as are the original sword hangers. The belt has a light but visible gold rick-rack trim around the perimeter and was found in an estate in New England. The plate itself is brass and has an edged and stippled border and the central figure is an American eagle with outspread wings, head to the left, arrows in right talon, olive branch in left talon with the national motto on a ribbon above. The whole device is silver plated and is superimposed on a trophy of arms and colors with an arc of 13 six-pointed stars above. A rare addition to any collection and a sword belt rig appropriate for the War of 1812, Seminole Wars, Mexican War and even early Civil War eras. Museum and investment grade overall.
