The silver letters "GG" on this rolled-brass plate present several possibilities for identification. Among the uniformed Militia units of the 1840's and 1850's were Garibaldi Guards, German Guards, and Gray Guards. This piece could have been the device of any of the three. The letters are affixed with wire fasteners, and a safety pin is soldered to the rear of the plate proper for decorative attachment. SHOULDER-BELT PLATE, C. 1850 _USNM 604363-M (S-K 519). Figure 264._ [Illustration: FIGURE 264] This oval brass plate with the wire-affixed silver-on-copper letters "AG" is unidentified, but it might well have been worn by the American Guards, or by a uniformed company from some city as Atlanta or Albany, with the letter "G" representing "Grays," "Guards," "Grenadiers," or the like. It was attached to the belt with three simple wire fasteners. SHOULDER-BELT PLATE, C. 1850 _USNM 604335-M (S-K 491). Figure 265._ [Illustration: FIGURE 265] The white-metal device on this brass plate comprises elements of the arms of "New Amsterdam" topped by the crest of the arms of New York State with supporting figures representing the original Indian owner of Manhattan Island and the mariner who became the first white settler. The specimen is believed to have been worn by the New York City Guard. The device is affixed with three staples originally intended to be reeved through with leather thongs, although now bent over. The means of attachment of the plate proper are missing. SHOULDER-BELT PLATE, C. 1850 _USNM 604364-M (S-K 520). Figure 266._ [Illustration: FIGURE 266] The letters "K L G" forming the white-metal monogram on this brass plate indicate that it could well have been worn by the Kentish Light Guard of Rhode Island. The monogram is attached by means of two staples with thongs reeved through, and the plate proper is fitted with four similar staples. The reverse bears the hallmark of William H. Horstmann and Sons, well-known military outfitters of Philadelphia. SHOULDER-BELT PLATE, C. 1850 _USNM 604336-M (S-K 492). Figure 267._ [Illustration: FIGURE 267] The white-metal letters "SG" on this brass plate lend themselves to so many interpretations that no identification is attempted. The applied device has two staples for attachment, and the plate proper is fitted with a safety pin on the reverse. SHOULDER-BELT PLATE, C. 1850 _USNM 604338-M (S-K 494). Figure 268._ [Illustration: FIGURE 268] Many volunteer companies used the designation "Rifle Guards," and this plate with the initials "C R G" probably falls into such a category. The "C," of course, cannot be identified. The monogram is of pewter and has three round lugs fitted through holes in the plate proper for attachment with pins. The plate itself has a safety pin soldered to the reverse for attachment. SHOULDER-BELT PLATE, SCOTT LEGION(?), C. 1850 _USNM 604347-M (S-K 503). Figure 269._ [Illustration: FIGURE 269]