April 11-13, 2023 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/13/2023
Originally purchased at a Shenandoah Valley estate sale in the 1930s, this Maryland state seal plate follows the round interlocking waist belt plates worn by US officers from about 1835 and by state militia with frequent substitution of state emblems for the U.S. eagle. This shows to have been sand cast, with some softening of details in the process and casting flaws on the reverse, but nevertheless with very visible lined background, fully legible "MARYLAND" at top and state motto in raised letters on the raised scroll at bottom. The wreath has a hollow reverse. The central disk is solid. In addition to the flaws and evidence of sand casting in recesses on the reverse, the belt loops have been left fairly flat, all of which points toward wartime Southern production. 56 x 87 mm. Illustrated as Figure E., pg. 113, "Maryland Arms Makers". CONDITION: Excellent. A very scarce Maryland sword belt plate. Similar plates are worn by Maryland Confederate officers in period photographs and known from identified examples.
Item Dimensions: 3" x 2".