Battle of Gettysburg

Original Civil War U.S. oval cartridge box plate constructed of stamped brass with lead-filled reverse and iron wire attachment hooks intact on the reverse. This classic accoutrement plate was designed for mounting to the outer flap of the infantry cartridge box and became one of the most recognizable emblems carried by the Federal soldier during the American Civil War.

The face retains an attractive untouched patina with a pleasing mellow brass tone and strong “US” lettering within the raised oval border. Reverse displays the characteristic lead fill with both original iron hooks remaining firmly in place. A solid, honest wartime example showing expected age and service wear without restoration or alteration.

An essential centerpiece for any Civil War accoutrement display, equally at home in an advanced belt plate collection or infantry cartridge box rig.

Inventory Number: BEL 644

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An exceptional identified Civil War sword belt retaining its original two-piece Federal eagle buckle, sword hangers, and period attribution to Edward D. Danner, a veteran of both the 1st Maryland Infantry and the 7th Maryland Infantry. A period label accompanying the belt identifies it as: 

“Two Piece Eagle Buckle and Sword Belt Worn by Edward D. Danner, Commissary Sergeant, Seventh Maryland Infantry Regiment.” 

Constructed of black bridle leather and retaining both original sword suspension straps with brass hardware, the belt displays the honest wear and rich untouched patina collectors seek in field-used wartime accoutrements. The two-piece eagle buckle remains particularly attractive, with pleasing age and strong eye appeal. 

Danner’s military career adds substantially to the belt’s historical interest. He first served as an officer in the 1st Maryland Infantry, one of Maryland’s earliest Union volunteer regiments, before later serving as Commissary Sergeant of the 7th Maryland Infantry. The 7th Maryland earned a hard-fought reputation in the Army of the Potomac, participating in the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg Campaign, and Appomattox operations. As Commissary Sergeant, Danner held a vital logistical position, ensuring the regiment’s supply of rations during some of the war’s most demanding 

Inventory Number: LEA 507 

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A fine non-excavated U.S. Model 1839 pattern belt plate featuring the desirable early-war “puppy-paw” hook configuration. The reverse retains its original lead-filled backing with stud-style belt hooks positioned behind the “S,” a fastening method commonly referred to by collectors as “puppy paws.” This style was typical of early Civil War production prior to the adoption of the later “arrow hook” design.

Produced circa 1861–1863, this example displays an attractive untouched patina with pleasing age and honest field wear. The face retains strong definition to the “US” lettering while the reverse shows the classic construction details sought after by advanced collectors of Civil War accoutrements.

This pattern is identified as Plate 483 in American Military Belt Plates by Michael J. O’Donnell and J. Duncan Campbell. A desirable early-war buckle that would display beautifully in any Civil War belt plate collection.

Inventory Number: BEL 646

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Fine Model 1852 U.S. Navy officer’s sword belt buckle featuring the classic spread-wing Federal eagle clutching anchor and arrows within a star border, mounted in an ornate laurel wreath frame. This elegant two-piece buckle pattern was adopted for U.S. Navy officers in 1852 and remained in service through the Civil War era.

The buckle retains an attractive untouched patina with strong gilt finish remaining throughout the wreath and central device. The detailed eagle motif displays especially well, with crisp definition to the anchor, shield, and surrounding stars.

An excellent example of a desirable Civil War era naval accoutrement with exceptional display appeal. A strong addition for collectors specializing in U.S. Navy material, officer equipment, or identified Civil War belt plates and buckles.

$450.00

Inventory Number: BEL 643

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Excellent matched Federal accoutrement grouping consisting of a regulation U.S. oval belt plate mounted on its original bridle leather waist belt, accompanied by a maker-marked percussion cap pouch by F. Chillingworth of Greenfield, Massachusetts. The belt retains its original keeper—an often-missing feature—indicative of untouched wartime manufacture and long-term integrity as a set. 

The cap pouch is clearly stamped for F. Chillingworth, Greenfield, Mass., a known Massachusetts contractor supplying infantry accoutrements during the Civil War. Frederick Chillingworth operated in Greenfield and is documented among smaller regional makers who fulfilled state and Federal contracts, particularly early in the war when demand surged and production was decentralized. His products are encountered far less frequently than those of the larger arsenals and contractors, making clearly marked examples desirable. 

Notably, both the belt and cap pouch exhibit consistent tool line patterns in the leather—subtle but telling manufacturing traits that strongly suggest they originated from the same shop or production run. This level of matching between components is seldom encountered, as belts and pouches were often mixed in service or replaced over time. 

The U.S. plate displays a pleasing, untouched patina with strong “U.S.” lettering, firmly affixed to the original belt. The leather throughout shows age, surface crazing, and service wear, yet remains supple and complete. The cap pouch is solid, with its closure tab, finial, and structure intact. 

A scarce opportunity to acquire a cohesive, maker-identified Civil War infantry set, retaining original configuration and showing clear evidence of single-source manufacture—an increasingly difficult combination to find. 

Inventory Number: LEA 502

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A classic example of a Civil War Federal Non-Commissioned Officer’s waist belt, complete with its regulation brass eagle plate. The rectangular plate features a finely detailed spread-wing eagle surmounted by a banner and framed by a laurel wreath, retaining a pleasing, mellow gilt with strong definition throughout.

The belt itself is constructed of black bridle leather, showing honest period wear and a rich, aged patina consistent with service use. The plate is securely mounted, and the belt retains its attachment hardware, including brass rivets and keeper, all presenting cohesively as a complete and display-worthy set.

A desirable and iconic piece of Union accoutrement, representative of the enlisted NCO’s field equipment, offering both strong visual appeal and historical authenticity.

Inventory Number: LEA 501

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Rare Non-Excavated Variant (O’Donnell Plate 643) 

A scarce example of the 1851 pattern eagle sword belt plate, identical to the example illustrated in O’Donnell’s American Military Belt Plates, Plate 643. The published specimen is an excavated example, described as a thin iron casting with the belt loop on the left side and recovered from a Civil War site—clearly a non-regulation, field-produced variant. 

In contrast, this example is a superior non-excavated specimen, exhibiting crisp, well-defined detail and an appealing bronze-toned surface. The plate retains its original tongue and is notably lighter in weight than the typical sand-cast counterparts, suggesting intended wear on a cotton web belt rather than leather. 

The form and construction align closely with the excavated example documented by O’Donnell, but the present piece stands apart in both preservation and sharpness. Its refined casting and material strongly support early Southern manufacture, likely produced under wartime conditions yet with uncommon care. 

A rare opportunity to acquire a published pattern in far finer condition than the excavated reference example—combining scarcity, strong Confederate association, and outstanding eye appeal.  

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Outstanding identified Massachusetts militia grouping — and one that bridges the antebellum militia tradition directly into active Civil War service.

This near mint Massachusetts Militia waist belt and ornate two-piece eagle plate, dating circa 1845–1860, is accompanied by its original tarred leather belt and regulation Civil War cartridge box. The plate is the classic Victorian militia pattern featuring the spread eagle with star-in-shield device, a style heavily favored by independent Massachusetts companies in the 1840s and 1850s and well documented in period photography and excavated wartime sites. Constructed of gilt cast brass with sharply defined wreath and tongue, it represents one of the most attractive pre-war militia belt plates that saw continued service into the Civil War.

The belt retains its rich tarred finish and remains in exceptional condition, with wonderful period floral ink embellishment and inscriptions identifying it to Alfred M. Allen. The survival of such decorative ink work is highly desirable and adds a deeply personal element to the piece. Accompanying documentation confirms Allen’s wartime service and the continued use of this militia plate during the conflict.

Alfred M. Allen was promoted to Corporal on February 16, 1865. He served in Company H, 177th New York Infantry, and also in Company G, 57th Massachusetts Infantry. The 57th Massachusetts, organized in 1864, saw hard service in the Overland Campaign and Petersburg operations, participating in the brutal trench warfare that defined the final year of the war. The survival of an antebellum Massachusetts militia belt plate carried by a soldier who later served in active field operations provides a tangible link between the pre-war volunteer militia system and the Union armies that ultimately preserved the nation.

The included photocopies of his service history and period documentation showing this pattern buckle in wartime use significantly strengthen the historical integrity of the grouping. It is increasingly rare to encounter a Massachusetts militia plate not only in such fine condition, but firmly identified, documented, and tied to documented Civil War service.

A superb, complete, and historically cohesive identified belt and cartridge box set representing the transition from state militia tradition to Federal wartime service — exactly the type of grouping that resonates strongly with advanced Civil War collectors, especially those with an interest in Massachusetts material.

Inventory Number: LEA 495

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Oval shaped plate with two arrowhead shaped securing tabs and single hook on the reverse. classic example of the Union Civil War soldier’s waist belt plate in non-excavated condition.

Comes housed in 6 inch x 8 inch riker display case with blue velvet backing and descriptive card.

Inventory Number: BEL 629

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Early War Example 

An early Civil War U.S. enlisted man’s belt, retaining its oval “US” belt plate with football-shaped keeper, an early-war configuration associated with initial Federal issue. The brass plate displays rich, undisturbed patina with clear, well-defined lettering and edge detail.

The leather belt shows honest period wear and has been intentionally worn inside out, a practice frequently observed among seasoned soldiers. Turning the belt allowed the smoother flesh side of the leather to glide more easily over the uniform, reducing friction and improving comfort during extended wear—an excellent field-use detail rarely documented so clearly.

The reverse of the plate retains its arrow hooks, and the keeper remains correctly paired. Leather surfaces show age cracking and wear consistent with service. 

A strong, character-rich example that tells a compelling story of practical soldier modification, making it an excellent addition to an advanced Civil War accoutrement collection or display. 

Inventory Number: LEA 491 

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