U. S. beltplate

[fortdonelsonrelics]

Re: U. S. beltplate

The face resembles Plate 477 in American Military Plates by O'Donnell. However, I tend to agree with the other posters. Hooks fake.

At first glance, the face looks good though.

John Walsh

[Jimmayo]

Re: U. S. beltplate

Compared to a repro.

[easttnfed]

Re: U. S. beltplate

Sam,

I contacted the collector that I am friends with and he said that the buckle overall was "bad bad bad". The firm listed was a post war military surplus firm and competed with Banermans. He also stated that he had one identical to the one that is pictured.

Hope this helps

[Bummer]

Re: U. S. beltplate

I have never seen an honest to god original that I was sure of with that die design, and I'd sure like to. I saw the first one of those repros in 1961, and also have a marked Stokes Kirk eagle breastplate (they're very good).

Having been at this stuff for decades I have accumulated a drawer full of original plates (and have had an example of all eight maker marked plates), and have still not seen an honest genuine one of that design (seen some for sale as genuine though). Yet, it is one of the only TWO reproduction designs that are worn by most all reenactors who don't wear an original (even though there were some two dozen different styles worn during the war). It is a pity that about 50% of Union reenactors wear a plate that never existed.

The plate design discussed and pictured here is 'somewhat' similiar to the die that can be found with BOTH Dingee and J I Pitmann marks (which 'may' suggest they were made by another maker and just sold to the accoutrement makers), but it is a definitely different design and should not be confused with them.

As to early reproduction stuff becoming collector items in themselves--absolutely. Who (who know of them) wouldn't pay to obtain an original Minnie Welch centennial reproduction? Or an early Paul Reuhs forage cap? These things may not be as absolutely perfect by today's standards (mighty close though), but could still be worn without shame to most any hardcore event today (if you'd want to do that). And were available back when everyone else was wearing Sears work clothing jazzed up with some ribbon or something equally odious.

Spence Waldron
Coffee Cooler

[Kevin Hall]

Re: U. S. beltplate

Spence your showing your age again. It does remind me though of all the original stuff that we used to take to the field with in the 116th PVI without thinking twice. Once upon a time that is; in a land far, far away.

Kevin Hall

[Bummer]

Re: U. S. beltplate

Yes, it's a bitch getting old. Those times you speak of was when CW stuff was only a step away from 'army surplus'; I shudder when I remember my old pard and I going down to the sutlers, buying a canteen, removing the cover and strap (which I still have) and tossing it in the fire in order to get a couple canteen halfs to use as plates. This was years before anyone had even thought of reproducing a canteen (the 1960's). Ah, those were the days...when a repairable and usable item of accoutrement was actually less expensive than a quality repro--if you could even find a quality repro.
With a few exceptions, times are better now for the authentic reenactor.

Spence Waldron~
Coffee Cooler