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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[Monty]

I don't know plates, but I do know about breaking stuff! If you try to bend it back it will almost surely break. Good advice. Monty

 

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[pitdiggers]

Congrats thats an incredible find I'm still waiting for one of these. This exact plate is identified in Mike O'Donnell's and J. Duncan Campell's book, "American Military Belt Plates". This is what the book has to say:

Waist Belt Plate, Common Militia Plate, ca. 1825-1835
Dimensions: 60 x 69 mm
Construction: Gilt die-struck rolled brass plate with applied brass tongue and belt loop bar. Iron keepers.
Remarks: One of several similar designs made of brass or copper that differ only in minor die variations including the use of either 5-pointed or 6-pointed stars, and an arc of 13 or 17 stars overhead. The eagle with shield on breast was patterned after the Army's 1821 cap insignia while the modified sunburst and national motto ribbon were general militia symbols during the 1820's and 1830's.

-pitdiggers

 

[kuger]

Thanks!!!Earlier than I thought!Great find

 

[sirlostalot]

I wouldnt clean it. I sent you a private message

 

[BioProfessor]

Brass, like any other metal needs to be annealed before it is worked. Try to straighten it yourself as it is and you will wind up with more than one piece. Or if you are lucky, one piece with a lot of cracks. If you take it to a professional service as suggested above, they will anneal it as needed when they work it. When the metal is worked, it becomes stiff again and must be annealed again. Annealing will most likely remove any patina that the metal has. The process will leave you with a nice and straight plate but shiny. There are some way to force a patina and that may be the best way to go. I would ask the restoration service if they could do that for you. Typically, it will have patina in the indentations and the "top" parts will be shiny. I think it is a nice look.

Your choice though.

Good find. If it were mine, I'd send it off for the whole nine yards.

Daryl

 

[ccdog]

Thanks to all. I appreciate the information. I spent about 5 hours this past Saturday searching the same location, but came up empty. Sure would like to think there are more goodies to be found in that area!