Buckle ID help and a what’s it...

[Locke]

This is from my post in “today’s finds”, but I figured I would throw it here as well. Thank in advance!

Looking to date/ID this buckle and hallmark. Found in Alexandria, VA (which was occupied by Union Troops during the Civil War) (also found in the area Civil War Eagle Sword Plate).

Also would love some information on this “what’s it”. It was about 10-11 inches deep. Gold guilding is fragile and is coming off.


Thanks for looking!

 

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[Locke]

Buckle, actually Breast Plate (pre Civil War has been IDed by jewlerguy)! http://www.relicman.com/plates/zLibraryPlate.110.Warof1812.htm (4th one down). Still looking for help with the decorative item!

Thanks!

 

[Wildcat1750]

Great find! I was following it on your original post and happy that you got an ID on it.
I'm still curious about the item in the lower photo. It almost looks like it would have been some sort of a clasp for a large, fancy book, such as a gilded Bible?

 

[Locke]

Great find! I was following it on your original post and happy that you got an ID on it.
I'm still curious about the item in the lower photo. It almost looks like it would have been some sort of a clasp for a large, fancy book, such as a gilded Bible?

Thanks for following along! You know that’s exactly what I’m leaning toward. If I google 1800s book clasps I see quite a few similar (in shape) pieces. The bottom part doesn’t look like it’s been broken off but is rather straight, would love to have seen this thing in all it’s glory