_USNM 60357-M (S-K 113). Figure 232._ [Illustration: FIGURE 232] This brass, lead-backed badge bears no devices that would assist in identifying it as to unit, and its general composition would have made it appealing to more than one Militia organization. It is considered a stock pattern. The stars-on-belt motif, forming the border of the oval, is very unusual, as are the 14 arrows in the eagle's left talon and the star beneath its beak. The center eagle device is applied with simple wire fasteners. ¶ Following the War with Mexico, many State Militia, especially those in the south, began using their state coats of arms as the principal devices on their waist-belt plates. The plates for officers followed the earlier pattern for Regulars, a round device clasped within an outer ring. Plates of enlisted personnel more often were rectangular, but there were many exceptions. The following series includes examples of both types. WAIST-BELT PLATE, ALABAMA C. 1850 _USNM 604221-M (S-K 377). Figure 233._ [Illustration: FIGURE 233] The old Alabama State seal with a representation of a map of the State hung from a tree trunk, as depicted on the inner ring of this cast-brass waist-belt plate, became obsolete after the Civil War when the "reconstruction" government changed the device to that of an eagle resting on a Federal shield. Some years later, however, the original seal, in somewhat modified form, was readopted. Although made in the early 1850's, plates of this type were worn by personnel of the Confederate States Army throughout the Civil War. Many plates of this same basic pattern were made in England and run through the blockade. WAIST-BELT PLATE, CALIFORNIA, C. 1850 _USNM 604389-M (S-K 536). Figure 234._ [Illustration: FIGURE 234] The 31 six-pointed stars in the outer ring of this cast-brass plate bearing the central elements of the California State seal indicate that it was made after statehood was granted in 1850 but before 1858 when Minnesota became the 32d State. Actually, this design for the arms of the State was adopted in anticipation of admission to the Union, on October 2, 1849.[140] The ornate design of this plate is more characteristic of the 1840's than later, indicating that it was made very early in the 1850's. [Footnote 140: ZIEBER, p. 114.] WAIST-BELT PLATE, FLORIDA, C. 1850 _USNM 604224-M (S-K 380). Figure 235._ [Illustration: FIGURE 235] The palm tree, standing alone, although sometimes mistaken for the palmetto of South Carolina, is representative of the State of Florida. Thus, this plate is ascribed to Florida Militia, about 1850. The late Richard D. Steuart, of Baltimore, Maryland, an outstanding authority on Confederate equipment and accoutrements, was firm in asserting that this pattern should be ascribed to Florida. WAIST-BELT PLATE, MASSACHUSETTS, C. 1850 _USNM 604124-M (S-K 280). Figure 236._ [Illustration: FIGURE 236]