Buckle, Plate, or none of the above??

[ccdog]

I found this in a very historic part of our county that was a thriving community from the early 1800's to the mid 1870's. Both Union and Confederate troops either camped or passed through the community.

The item is obviously in poor shape. It is approximately 2 3/4" x 2 3/8". It appears to be made of a thick brass material. I couldn't bend the dogeared corners without a tool. (Which I really wouldn't even attempt). I can't find any visible markings on the back that could have been anything similar to a clasp. The front picture shows visible stars above the spread-winged eagle. You can also read "E Pluribus Unum" above the eagle.

Any help identifying this would be greatly appreciated!

 

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[kuger]

Looks like a sword belt plate,but I dont see the attachments on the back.That is a cool find though!!!!

 

[fortbball9]

Yes the pics are a little big.I can see what I believe to be some gold gilt on it.I would clean it with Aluminum Jelly that will bring out the gilt that is left on it and it wont hunt anything else.But it don't look like a buckle to me,maybe some type of badge.
But that is a great find.I will look again when smaller pic are posted.I don't know how to down size them myself.
Also welcome to the T-Net,no matter what you post someone will ID it for you.

fortbball9

 

[juju]

Hope this helps.

JuJu

 

[fortbball9]

Thanks juju,I need to learn how to do that.
I am not sure what it is,but if it was some kind of buckle or plate it has been cut.There is no lead on the back.
I still would be careful and try to clean it with the Aluminum Jelly.You can buy it at a Ace Hardware store.
But that is a very neat looking piece.It looks to be made out of brass.
Someone else will more likely ID it for you.
Congrats on your find


fortbball9

 

[ccdog]

Thanks, everyone....and sorry for the huge pics. I didn't realize they would be that big! What will aluminum jelly do?

 

[Mich. Wolverine]

I think it's from the war of 1812. I seen one on another site and I thought they said it was a cartrage box plate. I hope this helps.

Wolverine.

 

[fortbball9]

Aluminum Jelly will bring all of the gold gilt out that is left if there is any,and it won't hurt anything else.
Just rub it on gently with a Q-tip let is set for just a minute and rinse off with water.
Me myself,I would try to straighten it out.But that would be me.
Hope to see pics after it has been cleaned.

fortbball9

 

[BuckleBoy]

It is a militia panel plate.  I would imagine it is 1820-ish... The attachment would've been a bar that went across the back (now broken off).


I'll find a better photo of your plate in a jiffy...



-Buckleboy

 

[BuckleBoy]

Well, I can find some similar plates--which will give you an idea of the age and date range of the one you found. Yours is not an artillery plate, nor is it the more common square militia plate...but I'm sure someone will ID it for you shortly. here is a photo of the attachments that were originally on the back of yours. Please re-check the hole if you have not already done so, just to make sure these pieces are not still there.


http://www.oldmilitaria.com/images/militia5b_2zlz.jpg



Best Wishes,



Buckleboy

 

[fortbball9]

Great ID BuckleBoy,I had no idea that it would have been a plate.
I can also say that is a awesome find for sure now

fortbball9

 

[BuckleBoy]

Oh, and by the way--Do NOT try and straighten it! Have it professionally done, if the value of the plate justifies such expense.


Best Wishes, and Congratulations!



-Buckles

 

[kuger]

It is a militia panel plate. I would imagine it is 1820-ish... The attachment would've been a bar that went across the back (now broken off).


I'll find a better photo of your plate in a jiffy...

Good I.D Bucks.I thought exactly that early 1800 Militia plate when I saw it but I could find no evidence of attachment (still dont),but that doesnt mean anything.If I was at home with my books I would have beat ya on that one

-Buckleboy

 

[BuckleBoy]

It is a militia panel plate.  I would imagine it is 1820-ish... The attachment would've been a bar that went across the back (now broken off).


I'll find a better photo of your plate in a jiffy...

Good I.D Bucks.I thought exactly that early 1800 Militia plate when I saw it but I could find no evidence of attachment (still dont),but that doesnt mean anything.If I was at home with my books I would have beat ya on that one

-Buckleboy

I wasn't using books. 


I just googled for a picture of what I already knew it was. 

 

[kuger]

Well if it was a Tongue and Wreath buckle I would have been able to go to my mental Rolladex!!!! I have found two Militia plates now but they were 1850.Good job.

 

[BuckleBoy]

Well if it was a Tongue and Wreath buckle I would have been able to go to my mental Rolladex!!!! I have found two Militia plates now but they were 1850.Good job.

If you have those books, we could still use your help on this piece.  It does not match up with the general issue plate, nor the omnipresent artillery plates or "star" plates...  So if you have a book on plates please take a second and look the variety up for the poster of this thread.  I'm embarrassed to say that I can't find the specific variety.

You truly are the expert on the tongue and wreath buckles, hands down--and you probably have the Largest dug collection of them in any digger's possession.


Best Wishes, my friend.



-Buckleboy

 

[ccdog]

Bucks, Kuger, et al,

Thanks for the info. I'm more excited now than when I found it! Can't wait to get back out there Saturday. If I decided to straighten it out, (and that's a mighty big IF), do you have any suggestions on what type shop or trade could do this? On another note, I've hunted this general area at least a dozen times. It amazes me that when you think you've found all there is to find, something like this turns up. Again, thank you so much for the information.

 

[BuckleBoy]

Bucks, Kuger, et al,

Thanks for the info.  I'm more excited now than when I found it!  Can't wait to get back out there Saturday.  If I decided to straighten it out, (and that's a mighty big IF), do you have any suggestions on what type shop or trade could do this?  On another note, I've hunted this general area at least a dozen times.  It amazes me that when you think you've found all there is to find, something like this turns up.  Again, thank you so much for the information.

Roland Frodigh at Hallowed Ground Restoration does excellent work.  He can give you a quote on the straightening.

Center Column of contacts:

http://www.americanrelichunters.com/relic-links.htm


Here is an example of the work he does. (Similar era and style of plate to yours.):


http://www.thetreasuredepot.com/issue7/article10.htm

 

 

[kuger]

Thanks B.B,I appreciate your respect and return the same to you.I am in Hawaii at the moment so I dont have any of my reference material handy.The style of that Eagle looks a lot like the early Militia but I cant find one without the crossed cannons.I think you have it narrowed down though.Roland is who I would suggest as well.

 

[BuckleBoy]

Thanks B.B,I appreciate your respect and return the same to you.I am in Hawaii at the moment so I dont have any of my reference material handy.The style of that Eagle looks a lot like the early Militia but I cant find one without the crossed cannons.I think you have it narrowed down though.Roland is who I would suggest as well.

Great Minds think alike.