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Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company Shoulder Belt Plate, Mid 1800's
Guns International #: 102629939 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Military Collectible US - Collectibles - Civil War
Seller's Information
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Seller: Bobinwmass
Member Since: 2/19/23
State: Massachusetts
Country: United States
Number of Active Listings: 22
Total Number of Listings: 57
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Shipping to the lower 48 contiguous states. Shipping price for specific item included in item description.
Payment Types Accepted: Check or Money Order, Paypal (plus 3% fee) for non-firearm related items, layaways considered..
About Us: Recently retired, starting to sell off my militaria collection of 30 years. New to this site, but have sold on other sites for years with 100% positive feedback under same user ID.
Description:
The Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company was first founded in 1637 but received it charter from the Governor of Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1638, thus that date on their buckles, plates, and buttons over the years. During the colonial period, the Company functioned as a school for military training so that the militias of the various town and localities could be provided with the same basic military instruction and tactics so they could function cohesively when engaging in major campaigns together. Many members served with distinction during the French and Indian War. In 1746 the company moved to quarters in Faneuil Hall in Boston, where their museum still remains. Members were present at the Boston Tea Party and served in the Continental Army during the American Revolution, and following that war members of the company helped suppress Shay's Rebellion in western Massachusetts. With the reorganization of the Massachusetts Militia in 1840, and due to the amount of distance between the various militia organizations in the state, the company became less involved in military training and active military service, and by the time of the Civil War had become more of a ceremonial and social unit which retiring military figures, political dignitaries, and businessmen joined. The organization still exists today. This plate consists of a large brass oval with the silvered letters AHA attached to the upper portion, and the date 1638 across the lower. A large pin on the back was used to attach the plate to the shoulder belt. Plates of this type were commonIy used by various militia organizations from the mid 1850's through the 1870's, and this plate likely falls into that time frame. This exact style plate is not pictured in the reference book "American Military Belt Plates" by O"Donnell and Campbell, but they do show a very similar plate with the AHA across the top and 1638 across the bottom. On that plate the brass is silvered, and they date it to circa 1855. The Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company did have Infantry and Artillery divisions. Up to the mid 1800's it was common for infantry units to have silver plated insignia, and artillery units to have gilt or brass colored insignia. It may be possible that the plate pictured here was for use by a member of the company's section. Please take a look at all the photos as they provide the best description of condition. Shipping to the lower 48 contiguous states. Three day return privilege, buyer pays return postage. Shipping $15.00 for Priority Mail insured. If you buy multiple items, I will combine to save money on shipping.
Price: $165.00