Stamped sheet brass, lead filled. Three prongs are embedded into the lead to facilitate fastening the plate on to your NCO Baldric strap. This plate is supposed to be right in the center of your chest when mounted on the strap per US regulations. Exact copy of the originals. 

Was also documented to be used by some confederates as a belt plate.  This may have been a sign the soldier was in the Union army before the war or he may have just needed a belt plate for his belt. We have been told this was an early war photo of a solider.  In the photo, the unnamed soldier appears to be wearing two belts under the Federal Eagle plate with what looks to be a rectangular belt plate behind it. See photo.

Proudly Made in USA.