Relics of the American West: 1850-1920
Lot 2195:
Description
This is an exceptional example of a Confederate-issued Louisiana State “Pelican” belt plate, featuring the poignant “Pelican in her Piety” motif—a pelican feeding her young—symbolizing state sacrifice during the Civil War. As referenced in American Military Belt Plates by O’Donnell and Campbell, this design is representative of the era around 1861, when Louisiana lacked published uniform regulations, leaving independent companies to acquire their own insignia. This plate is die-struck brass with a lead-filled back, a standard Confederate manufacturing technique, and the reverse retains its original iron wire attachment hooks firmly embedded in the backing. The item is in excavated condition with a heavy, dark patina and significant oxidation. Surface pitting and heavy rust are present on the iron components, consistent with long-term ground burial, yet the central relief remains remarkably distinct. H 2″, W 3″, D 0.25″. Please see photos for condition.
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