_USNM 604343-M (S-K 499). Figure 229._
[Illustration: FIGURE 229]
Letters signifying the New England Guards are embossed on a shield of
white metal that is attached to this brass plate, which has scalloped
corners. Although the officer depicted in the Huddy and Duval print of
the New England Guards[138] wears a waist belt rather than a shoulder
belt for his sword, the soldier standing in the background is shown
with crossed shoulder belts. Thus, this plate may have been an item of
equipment for enlisted personnel rather than for officers.
[Footnote 138: _U.S. Military Magazine_ (November 1839), pl. 21.]