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US Cartridge Box Plate

Item: US Cartridge Box Plate
Use: Cartridge box plates were attached to the outer flap of the soldier's cartridge box. Not only ornamental but more practically used as a weight to keep the cartridge box flap closed to prevent cartridge loss. See the additional images in this listing for an image showing its use.
Construction: Stamped thin sheet brass with solder fill and iron attachment loops.
Condition: Very good, excavated. Its brass front, with its skinny raised letters "US", has an overall rich-brown patina. There is a period strike on the lower front situated between the letters that does not pierce the brass but did create a dent in the rim and a very slight inward bend in the body of the plate. The rest of the rim is in great shape. The rear has a near complete complement of solder with minor surface flaking in a couple of areas near the rim. The attachment loops are present, solid and nearly straight up. The plate has no cracks, breaks or repairs.
Recovered: Quantico, VA area.
Approximate size: 54 x 85 mm.
Reference: An example, with the similar skinny "US" letters, is found in the following reference book:

• "American Military Belt Plates" by Michael J. O'Donnell and J. Duncan Campbell, on page 306, Plate 491.

See the above page in the additional images.

Comments: This excavated US cartridge box plate was acquired directly from the Virginia digger. Included in the additional images is an image of the digger (on left), with his hunting buddies and their detectors dating to the 1970-80s. While the example shown in the above-mentioned reference book is marked on its rear, the example for sale is not. The plate will be an excellent addition to any excavated Civil War plate or general relic collection.

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Product Code:

PC8420

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Price:

$195.00

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