Sword plate pics

[Chris J]

I have looked all over the net and have seen many similar to this one, but not any exactly like it.  Either the rays are shorter or longer or the leaves are different.  There is a #19 on the back.  Would that be Plate#19 like in the O'Donnel&Campbell book?  Would anyone suggest a rust inhibitor to stop the rust from spreading, or just leave it as is?  Questions, questions.

[Bob K]

Chris.   If you have the American Digger Magazine Vol. 5  Issue 1. The issue for
          Jan. - Feb. 2009 It has a article on Preserving iron through simple
          electrolysis.
          If you don't have or can't get the Magazine E mail me your address & l
          will mail you a photo copy. The article also has the coating info               
          to preserve the item. A micro crystalline wax or rust treatment spray on
          from NAPA. That's used after cleaning.

          That sure was a Jewel of a find.

                                                                gagpnoz@yahoo.com

[Chris J]

Here is a response to my questions on TNet about the plate.  What would have been used to hold it in place?  There were no welders back then.

"The number is the inspector's bench number or bench mark.  These pieces were inspected and approved before distribution to the troops. 
The cool thing about your piece, is that it shows a Field Repair.  It looks like the original tongue broke off, and someone punched or drilled the plate and inserted an iron loop to hold the plate in place.
Very cool!  That's the first one I've seen field repaired like that.
Best Wishes,
Buckleboy"

[Johnny Ringo]

Buckleboy does have a fair amount of knowledge on these matters. Thats pretty cool if it was actually field repaired!