Hi,

This is my first post here but I hope someone can help.

I'm mostly a WWI-WWII guy but I found some early items included in a collection of small cal artillery shells that I purchased.

I've search the web for a few weeks on this item without much luck. I think it's a 1851 Officers Belt Plate but the few examples I've found all have small differences in the background or the silver wreath. Also, everything found so far has the number stamped in the middle of the edge. Mine is on the end.

Better pictures of the Plate
http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg22/south-troy/FRONT.jpg
http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg22/south-troy/REAR.jpg

Could someone offer some clues to this?

Thanks,
Tom