This book begins with a general history of the G.A.R. and S.U.V., and a short background of the plates/belts. Three chapters that follow cover G.A.R. monogram, membership star, and pattern plates. Two chapters deal with web and leather belts and one presents a detailed look at G.A.R. belts and swords. S.U.V. plates, belts, and swords round out the remaining two chapters. The Sons of Veterans Reserves round out the book with their swords, belts and belt plates. There are also examples of a Sons of Veterans Reserve cartridge box plate and belt plate. Includes over 150 examples which have been photographed and documented, as well as an easy-to-use rarity scale and standardized numbering system.