Civil war reproduction?

[davidj4220]

I found this on a steep hillside in Cumberland County PA. I researched this area and allegedly goes way back to early 1700's. Unfortunately it was a dumping site and there is trash everywhere from 1950's on. It is thin and appears to be copper or brass. Sorry for the poor pics its off my phone. Thanks.

 

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[richeysd76]

Nope not a fake. After researching one that I found I believe it to be Indian wars 1870's officers sword belt plate. Nice find

 

[davidj4220]

Thank you. The area I found it in you never know.

 

[TheCannonballGuy]

More info for you, from the book "American Military Belt Plates" by O'Donnell & Campbell.

Your plate is a waist-belt plate, Regulation 1874 Pattern, Army Officer. Made of stamped sheetbrass. Circa 1890s through early-1900s. The book says "These were a staple of late-19th and early-20th-Century military supply catalogs. Primarily nonregulation, large quantities were sold to the civilian/quasi-military market, and perhaps to National Guard units as well."

Your plate's belt-attachment hook and bar were soldered onto its back. If you look closely, you can see the grey-ish solder marks where the hook and bar used to be.

Quick-ID clue, for relic-diggers and collectors:
The Model-1874 version differs from the civil war era version by not having a rectangular belt-slot on the plate's left end.

 

[Beeps in my sleep]

Very Nice!!! I also live in Cumberland county and this place has serious history! Happy Huntin!

 

[davidj4220]

Thank you thecannonballguy! I saw similar patterns in the civil war sword plates so I thought someone was gonna tell me it was on cases of beer in 1976 or something as a repro. I am still pleased since this year has been tough so far. Thanks again I appreciate the help.

 

[davidj4220]

Beeps in my sleep you are correct we have good history. I do well sometimes just checking people's yards. I am in Mechanicsburg if there are any good clubs around please let me know. Have a good weekend. Happy hunting.