This is the most attractive eagle-motif waist belt plate made of thin, die stamped brass weighing about one ounce. It was manufactured circa 1850 and worn by the United States Militia. The back is hollow and the back hooks are correct and intact. This comes from the George Whiting collection and is in excellent condition. It is identical to figure 224 in Kerksis. The face is identical to the cast brass eagle plate frequently worn by Civil War officers. Kerksis gives this one a rarity rating of "7" with "1" being the most common and "10" being most rare. A most desirable plate.