Manufactured by Emerson Gaylord prior to the American Civil War, Emerson Gaylord of Chicopee, Massachusetts. This firm produced high quality buckles for several other southern states including Virginia, Georgia and Mississippi, with most Maryland buckles used exclusively by Southern troops as well. This non-excavated example measures 51 mm x 88 mm, constructed of solid brass, with gold gilt plating. Most of these plates were utilized by Southern Officers and Cavalrymen. “Crescite et Multiplicamini” Latin meaning “increase and multiply.” Motto on the former coat of arms of Maryland 1765, Sparrow Seal of Maryland.