US cartridge box plate

[JeffersWV]

Hello again Pappy. Hate to bother you again. But my research is at a dead end. I found a Federal cartidge box plate yesterday afternoon on a skirmish site and would love some more information about it.
It, of course, is the brass "US" plate with lead filled reverse with iron wire loops. Oval in shape. Measures 3 3/8 " wide, 2 1/8" tall. It is stamped by the manufacturer W.H. SMITH BROOKLYN NY.
My questions: 1) Is this the standard size, or the small ("baby") size?
2) Dates of manufacture?
Any other info would be much appreciated. Will try to get a photo posted ASAP.

[PAPPY]

PRETTY SURE IT IS THE REGULAR SIZE WHICH WOULD HAVE FIT A 1.9" BELT.PUPPY PAW WOULD BE THE SMALLER SIZE. SURE WOULD LOVE TO SEE A PHOTO OF THE PLATE. COULD HAVE BEEN MADE ANYWHERE FROM 1850-1864....PAPPY

[JeffersWV]

Thanks Pappy. I have more questions, if you please. You mentioned that my plate would likely be a standard size in order to fit a 1.9 inch belt. All of the plates I have observed that looked like mine were labeled as cartridge box plates. Same on the front, differnt on the reverse. Forgive me, if I'm mistaken.
Hope to get you a pic tomorrow. I don't own a digital camera yet.
This plate has had some "surgery" done to the lead on the back. Looks like one of the loops had been broken off, and the infantryman may have tried to fix it. Fortunately, it didn't do any damage to the front side. Will the old cuts increase or decrease the value? (not that I would ever part with it) Maybe that's a question that could be answered best when I get the pic for you.
Let me say that it's really great to have a good man out there that's willing to help. You are obviously a giver, rather than a taker. I'm sure the good Lord will applaud you for how you spent your "dash". By the way, loved your story in the newsletter. I too, feel a sense of awe and reverence when I venture (but never dig) onto old grave sites.

[PAPPY]

THANKS FOR THE KIND WORDS. I HAVE ALWAYS BELIEVED IN TRYING TO HELP AND WILL CONTINUE WITH THAT BELIEF UNTIL I AM GONE FROM THIS EARTH. I WOULD LOVE TO SEE A PICTURE OF YOUR PLATE AND WE CAN DISCUSS IT'S VALUE AFTER THAT....THANKS AGAIN....PAPPY

[Gregory]

Congrats on finding the plate Jeff..Can't wait to see a pic so please hurry

Your right about Pappy, his helpful ways are hard to find in this day & age.
I still remember the first email I sent to him introducing myself

I can not wait much longer to shake his hand and take in some of his wisdom
A true asset to TQ indeed.

[PAPPY]

THANK YOU GREG. IT'S A TRUE HONOR TO BE A PART OF THIS FAMILY HERE AT TQXLT. WE HAVE THE MOST WONDERFUL PEOPLE IN THE WORLD ON THIS FORUM AND I'M MOST GLAD TO BE ABLE TO CONTRIBUTE MY SMALL PORTION....PAPPY

[WVaTom]

folks while enjoying a hobbie I love so much in places I enjoying being in,the forrest that is. Have even been so lucky as to have gotten to know a lot of folks that I never have met in person but feel as though they are true friends. All through detecting and looking for artifacts. I consider JamesWV,Daveo/aka Brian and JeffersWV,Creekrat,Greg,Pappy,Boobie,Geo as good a group of friends as a person could have.Have never even met the last 5 five guys but would detect with them any time.

[PAPPY]

THANKS TOM. MAYBE WE WILL BE ABLE TO GET TOGETHER SOON....PAPPY