BOX PLATE. 64.3mm, iron wire loops. This exact configuration is shown as Mullinax plate 395 with almost identical rust through of hooks on well detailed face. "Animis Opibusque Parati" & "Dum Spiro Spero Spes" mottoes are crisp as is 1776 date. The frons on Palmetto tree are also sharp. Kerksis states "apparently not too many were made-up for this usage as they are quite rare". Kerksis ranks this as a rarity of 8. From the collection of Ed Holliday, a very savvy collector who only acquired the finest items from top collectors/dealers. Mullinax classifies this buckle as made with a type 2 die, small "1876" date & thicker tree trunk & higher relief detail. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: Steve Mullinax Letter of Authenticity, copy of pages from Mullinax "CONFEDERATE BELT BUCKLES & PLATES", expanded edition 1999, and Kerksis "PLATES & BUCKLES OF THE AMERICAN MILITARY", 1974. CONDITION: very good to fine for excavated lead filled plate, smooth chocolate brown patina on face, lead back has some chipping to surface. Detail with mottoes easily read and 1776 date in high relief, as sharp as you can find. Iron wire hooks have oxidized with loops gone, and rust blisters have penetrated the face on 2 edges. PROVENANCE: Ed Holliday (1939-2019) estate collection. (02-22781/JS). NON-GUN. $2,500-3,500.