a stock pattern sold to many Militia units. The 

 outer ring is missing. 



WAIST-BELT PLATE, C. 1840 



USNM 604107-M QS-K 263). Figure 207. 



This specimen, roughly cast in brass and gilded, is 

 unusual because the Militia rarely used the letters 

 "u s"' on any of its equipment. The pattern does 

 not conform to anything prescribed for Regulars 

 and the quality does not come up to standards required 

 by the Regular Establishment; hence it must have 

 been worn by Militia. It would have been a stock 

 pattern. There is the possibility that it might have 

 been worn by diplomatic personnel, but its poor 

 quality makes this unlikely. 



Figure 2c 



Figure 207 

 WAIST-BELT PLATE, C. 1850 



VSnM 60m7-M {S-K 534). Figure 208. 



The over-all design of this plate, which is cast 

 roughly in brass and gilded, reflects the growing 

 ornateness of the Victorian era. Obviously a stock 

 pattern, it would have suited the fancy of several units 

 and cannot be identified further than "for Militia." 

 The design of the eagle is unusual in that three arrows 

 are carried in the right talon — although it is possible 

 that this is intended to reflect the belligerency in- 

 herent in the period of the War with Mexico — and 

 there is a single large star in the canton of the Federal 

 shield. 



WAIST-BELT PLATE, C. 1840 



USNM 60445S-M (S-K 605). Figure 209. 



The generalities that apply to all "stock pattern" 

 insignia are equally valid in referring to this brass- 

 struck plate with a 5-pointed star as its sole ornament. 

 Dating its period of design poses no difficulty, for it 

 contains the panel with wreath inside an edging 

 border characteristic of the 1840's. The star device 

 would have been appropriate for Militia units of 

 Maine ("North Star"), Texas ("Lone Star"), or for 

 dragoon units that took the star as a distinctive in- 

 signia. Although it may have been worn by Texans, 

 it is doulitful that it was made orioinallv for them. 



Figure 209 



100 



