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    The style of Officer's Waist Belt pictured here has a very unusual history.  South Carolina adopted the Palmetto state seal and motto "ANIMIS OPIBUSQUE P ARATI" (prepared in mind and resources) to commemorate the defeat of the invading English at Fort Moultrie.  This plate, however, was made in England.

     Cast of brass, chased to bring out the detail and finally gilted, it is among the finest of the era.  It was imported from England in Antebellum days for sale to South Carolina's militias in both gilt and silver models.  Some were brought through or attempted to pass through the Yankee blockade during the war as examples have been recovered from a sunken blockade runner off the coast of Charleston. This particular buckle was put on the belt after it was run through the blockade, because the patent leather belt over heavy webbing is of Confederate manufacture and is meant for use rather than show.  It was certainly used by a high ranking South Carolina officer.  A period image exists of Confederate General Milledge Bonham wearing what appears to be this style of belt and plate.

     The belt is strong and supple, has few cracks and abrasions (very few) and no weak spots whatsoever. It is strong enough to wear today.  The plate rates a seven on the Mullinax rarity scale and I have seen two examples in eighteen years of collecting.  This is the only one I have ever seen on its original belt.