Exceptionally rare, excavated 1st Regiment Virginia Volunteers “shoulder belt plate”.  Enlisted 1851-1861. Buckle Dimensions: 61 X 81mm. Reference pattern “Confederate Belt Buckles & Plates by Steve E. Mullinax, PLATE 445. This famous unit earned the “hard fought” designation as the “Bloody First. Reverse plate originally retained brass pin & catch. Image of “Richmond Grays” at execution of John Brown in Charles Town, West Virginia.    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1st_Virginia_Infantry_Regiment