Pre-Civil War Militia Belt Plate, Circa 1830's -1840's.  This rare and unusual buckle is from my collection.  I had kept this one, but discovered that Dad has one on the belt. I have decided that we don't need to keep a second one... though, I have been reticent to sell it as this one is in prettier shape.  It is a rare and seldom encountered American militia buckle. These are the only two that we have seen through the years.