Since the beginning of the Republic, officers of our armed services have worn patriotic symbols on their uniforms. For naval officers these symbols were the eagle and anchor and these have been incorporated in their belt plate designs since the Revolutionary War. This book illustrates the belts and belt plates worn by U.S. naval officers of all ranks from the Navy's founding through World War II. It also addresses the belts and plates worn by the U.S. Marine Corps through the 19th century, with a separate chapter on those worn by Confederate naval officers during the Civil War.

These historic items, from private collectors and museums throughout the country, are presented in colour and include most, if not all, of the belt plate designs worn by these three services. The uniform regulations that defined the various design features over time are also summarized with the patterns that were typically used in the 19th century to specify military uniforms. ILLUSTRATIONS: 209 colour photographs.