This cast-brass plate bears the arms of the city of New York superimposed on an almost full sunburst. The surrounding wreath of laurel is taken directly from the plate authorized for general and staff officers of the Regular Establishment in 1832. While this is thought to be the plate for the New York City Guards, for whom a matching shoulder-belt plate is known, there is the possibility that it was also worn by uniformed police of the 1850's.
WAIST-BELT PLATE, C. 1850
USNM 604393-M (S-K 340). Figure 242.
Figure 242
A stock pattern, this cast-brass and gilded plate would have been appropriate for any of the several organizations called "National Guards" or "National Greys" that existed in a number of states. The letters "N G" do not connote the National Guard as we know it today.
WAIST-BELT PLATE, OHIO, C. 1850
USNM 604136-M (S-K 292). Figure 243.