Exceptional and original, non-excavated Ohio Volunteer Militia (OVM) oval brass waist belt plate. Approx. 3 x 2 in.

The face of the plate features the iconic, deeply stamped serif letters "OVM" centered within a classic raised double-rim border. Introduced in the antebellum period and widely distributed to Ohio regiments rushing to the front lines in 1861, these state-specific plates are among the most distinct and recognizable symbols of the Western Theater's early-war volunteer infantry units. Finding a choice, non-excavated example that never spent time buried in battlefield soil is a notable rarity for advanced buckle collectors.

The reverse of the plate features a heavy, solid lead solder filling that has aged to a dark grey patina over the last 160 years. Embedded into the lead filling are the early-war brass attachment fixtures. One side retains a pristine, distinct stamped brass arrowhead prong. The opposite side shows where the single wide brass wire belt hook was snapped off flush with the lead during its period of active use, leaving only the embedded brass wire root intact. The reverse lead back also retains an old black collector or archive inventory number stamp along the lower edge. Despite the missing hook, the exceptional face crispness and the completely undisturbed, uncleaned condition of the remaining reverse lead make this a an honest and impressive example. 

[Civil War, Union, Confederate] [Relics, Militaria] [Militaria, Accouterment, Equipment, Uniforms]

The waist belt plate is in very good to fine original, non-excavated condition. The brass face retains a smooth, uncleaned golden-brown bronze patina with honest surface character consistent with authentic field wear. The internal lead fill on the reverse is completely intact and stable, showing no severe oxidation, crumbling, or pocking. Both the brass arrowhead prong and the opposite belt hook are securely embedded and structurally solid.