The letters "T C B" on this brass-cast plate open wide the doors of conjecture as to interpretation. Possible combinations range from Trenton City Blues (if such a Militia organization ever existed) to Troy Cornet Band, a nonmilitary unit. Plates such as this can seldom be positively identified.
WAIST-BELT PLATE, C. 1850
USNM 60478-M (S-K 234). Figure 257.
Figure 257
As in the case of the preceding plate, the letters "H R" on this specimen cannot be specifically identified. Similar unidentified plates in the national collections have the letters "S O I" and "P B."
WAIST-BELT PLATE, C. 1850
USNM 604167-M (S-K 323). Figure 258.