WAIST-BELT PLATE, ARTILLERY OFFICER, 1821-1835
USNM 60455-M (S-K 211). Not illustrated.
Nearly identical to the infantry officer's plate above, this buckle, in brass, has the artillery "A" on the eagle's breast shield.
¶ Although the regulations for this period do not mention shoulder-belt plates for enlisted men (officers had none as they wore their swords on their waist belts), it can be assumed that they were worn. The two specimens described below must be dated later than 1812-1821 because of the belt attachments. The earlier specimens had rudimentary bent-wire fasteners, but these, more refined, have two round studs and a hook soldered to the plate proper.
SHOULDER-BELT PLATE, INFANTRY, C. 1821
USNM 604316 (S-K 472). Figures 70, 71.
Figure 70