Description
Very nice “Baby” US waist belt plate identified to Charles Kelly of the famed 44th New York Infantry. Charles reportedly wore the plate on his canteen strap. Known as the “Ellsworth Avengers”, Charles would muster as a 2nd lieutenant with “C” Company in October, 1862. He would receive a promotion to 1st lieutenant in January of 1863 and transfer into “I” Company, serving until his discharge in October, 1864. The 44th would see extensive service during their tenure, fighting in some of the wars bloodiest and now famous battles. This is non-excavated 1839 pattern US waist belt plate commonly referred to as the “baby” US plate. The face has a very nice darkened brass patina with a number of very small indentations. The solder filled rear has the attachment hooks in place and solidly attached. No cracks, breaks, bends, or repairs to this one. Scratched into the lead back of the plate one can read, “CHAS KELLY 44 NY”. Very nice and desirable plate that you don’t often see!
