In size and pattern this plate is exactly like that prescribed for the Regular Establishment in 1841, substituting the arms of South Carolina for the eagle. It possibly may date as early as 1845. Made for South Carolina Militia, plates similar to this were worn during the Civil War and several have been recovered from battlefield sites. The specimen is struck in brass and the reverse filled with lead. It has three bent-wire fasteners imbedded in the reverse, which indicates that it was decorative rather than functional. A similar plate with elements of the Virginia State seal is known. Modern reproductions of both are being sold. SHOULDER-BELT PLATE, C. 1850 _USNM 604446-M (S-K 593). Figure 260._ [Illustration: FIGURE 260] A popular stock pattern of the 1850's, this design with the silver numeral "1" on a rectangle of rolled brass was worn for at least half a century after it first appeared. Similar plates are known with all numerals through 9 and a few higher numbers. Other plates of the same general type are known with company letters "A" through "M." The plate proper is fitted with two brass wire hooks and a medium width tongue, indicating a functional use. The numeral is attached by means of two staples with leather thongs reeved through on the reverse of the plate. SHOULDER-BELT PLATE, C. 1850 _USNM 654360-M (S-K 516). Figure 261._ [Illustration: FIGURE 261] This rolled-brass plate with its silver "TC" monogram is presently unidentified. In the national collections there is a Militia helmet with the same device used as part of the cap plate; also known is another insignia, comprising the monogram alone, that was used as a cartridge-box device. _New York Military Magazine_ for July 17, 1841, refers to the elegant armory of the Troy [N.Y.] Corps where the Light Guard of New York had been visitors. This plate may have been an insignia of that organization. The monogram is affixed with staples and leather thongs, and the plate proper carries a large safety pin soldered to the reverse for purely decorative attachment. It is unknown whether the safety pin fasteners are contemporary with the plates to which they are attached. Rudimentary safety pins were known in Egypt before Christ, but they apparently did not appear in America until the 1830's and 1840's. Walter Hunt patented the first American safety pin in 1849.[144] [Footnote 144: U.S. Patent 6281 (April 10, 1849).] SHOULDER-BELT PLATE, C. 1850 _USNM 604361-M (S-K 517). Figure 262._ [Illustration: FIGURE 262] Several Militia organizations of the 1840's and 1850's were called "Republican Guards," and this silver "RG" monogram on a rolled-brass rectangle would have been appropriate on shoulder belts of so-named units. The monogram is affixed with wire fasteners, but the means of attachment for the plate proper are missing. SHOULDER-BELT PLATE, C. 1850 _USNM 604362 (S-K 518). Figure 263._ [Illustration: FIGURE 263]