The Civil War Buckle - Breastplate - Belt Store

The Civil War Buckle and Breastplate Collector’s Place

A Civil War belt buckle, sword belt buckle, rifle sling buckle, cartridge box plate or breastplate would be a great addition to any Civil War relics collection. Belt buckles and plates vary in style and availability with the United States, or US, oval being the most common and therefore the most affordable for collectors. The most rare and expensive buckle set would probably be the eleven star, two piece Confederate officer’s sword buckle.

The industrialized North was able to mass produce metal buckles by die stamping thus maintaining their “uniform” shape and size. The Confederate belt buckles were a different story with the great majority being made by amateurs using small foundries and often times even by the person wearing the buckle. The metals used in the making of the US and CSA of buckles varied in quality as well.

What Is a Breastplate

A Civil War breastplate is actually an accoutrement worn on the long leather cartridge box sling, or strap, of the Union soldiers. The strap was worn so that is crossed the soldiers chest and the breastplate had hooks on the back side that were used to attach it to the belt. It's placement would be approximately in the middle of the chest. The plates were generally round with an eagle holding three arrows on the front side and were about 3 and 1/2 inches across. These breastplates are highly sought after by collectors and reenactors.

Whether you are a serious collector or just someone who would like to own a piece of the American Civil War you’ll find what you are looking for at Civil-War-Costumes.com relics pages. Many of our customers are Civil War reenactment and living history participants who simply prefer to have genuine artifacts as a part of their uniforms and other gear. Thank you for visiting our store and come back soon.