Dug VMI Cartridge Box plate / Cadet Button

[RhinosRelics]

Greetings All.. I’m new to this site - Hoping someone could help me with some information in regards to a VMI cartridge box plate I dug back in August.. It was found in Lexington, Va. - close to VMI.. From the research I’ve done , I'm pretty sure it’s war period ( or earlier).. I also dug a VMI cadet button ( BM ‘ R & W Robinson (‘ w/ an Eagle and ribbons ) - ca. 1834-1848 ) within 4ft of where I dug the plate...
I’ve been detecting for 20 years .. mostly in ( and around Atlanta).. digging mostly Union relics .. moved up to Va in 2007 and digging more Confederate items 😬.. and this is my first Confederate Plate! Thinking it’s a rare find ... Any information given to positively confirm my speculation as to it being ‘the really deal’ would be a huge help..

Respectfully - Rhino

 

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[GopherDaGold]

Wow! I've never seen one one of those. Hopefully someone will chime in with more info. Looks like a Pattern 1839 cartridge box plate. Dare I say banner?

 

[gunsil]

I vote BANNER on the VMI plate!!

 

[Professor of Engineering]

Killer finds, congrats!

Banner on the VMI recovery.

 

[Mudflap]

Wow !! Was down at Natural Bridge this past summer and they had a 1940s VMI reunion going on. Made me think maybe you could get some info from the school... More than likely someone on here will know right off.

 

[RhinosRelics]

Thank you Gents for your comments /positive feedback .. I’m still finding myway around & figuring out this site...I’m Not very “tech savvy” when it comes to computers.. lol.. I do have a Question tho -Cant seem to find info regarding BANNER . Other than definition...I gathered from the way you guys used (/ voting ?) It - My hunch was correct as to this find being “a rare once in a life time find” - and my best one ever ☺️.... I was able to go to the VMI Museum and talk to staff there... was given a copy on an article written years ago - a brief history on the Plate... it was a good read.. but didn’t really answer the questions I have about the plate....

 

[GopherDaGold]

I believe the general consensus here would agree that you have the real deal.
If you look at the top of the page you will see a horizontal strip of photos. This is the 'banner'. These are the best of the best finds and are voted on by the membership here.
It's a rare event when a brand new member makes the banner but it has been known to happen.

 

[smokeythecat]

I will address two things, first, regarding the "banner" one of the moderators here wrote this, it's posted under the rules section:

"While we don't have any firm criteria, we follow these general guidelines...

Finds must be significant, and plausible.
Finds / posts must be RECENT.
Images must be hosted on the TreasureNet server.
Posts with great stories are more likely to be selected.
If the post is one of the members first posts, it is less likely to be selected.
Finds must look good in the banner."

The button is a Civil War era manufactured button. Of the two most common types found this one is the pricier of the two. The button with Evans backmark is more common and commands a lesser price, fyi.

Now for the plate, I reference "Confederate Buckles and Plates" by Steve Mullinax.

His plate #'d 443 is a Virginia Military Institute Plate. He lists them as being manufactured from ca 1860 to 1960. "Die struck rolled brass face, lead filled with brass wire loops."

"Sometime during the 1860's or later, VMI introduced this modernized version of the previous example for wear on its small cadet cartridge boxes. Its fine construction and attractive die work suggests manufacture by an experienced northern manufactory. They continue to be made through most of the 20th century."

So...it may well depend on what else was found with it. Any other CW items found with it? Minie balls, etc? This one will be hard to date.

 

[gunsil]

I believe the general consensus here would agree that you have the real deal.
If you look at the top of the page you will see a horizontal strip of photos. This is the 'banner'. These are the best of the best finds and are voted on by the membership here.
It's a rare event when a brand new member makes the banner but it has been known to happen.

Actually, thinking about it, I believe there is a minimum amount of posts a member must have before a banner vote can be given regardless of how fantastic the find is. I did vote banner but it may not go in since poster has few posts.

 

[smokeythecat]

You may be right gunsil.

 

[Tnmountains]

Thank you Gents for your comments /positive feedback .. I’m still finding myway around & figuring out this site...I’m Not very “tech savvy” when it comes to computers.. lol.. I do have a Question tho -Cant seem to find info regarding BANNER . Other than definition...I gathered from the way you guys used (/ voting ?) It - My hunch was correct as to this find being “a rare once in a life time find” - and my best one ever ☺️.... I was able to go to the VMI Museum and talk to staff there... was given a copy on an article written years ago - a brief history on the Plate... it was a good read.. but didn’t really answer the questions I have about the plate...

.[/QUOTEHey Rhino
People vote Banner when it is an exceptional find. If you look at the very top of the page you will see a row of items member have found worthy by votes or moderators consideration to be placed up there. We consider it an honor in recognition of the find the finder and rarity.
With all that being said we do not Banner brand new members finds in this community for obvious reasons. But don't be discouraged it is a nice find and is always nice to see members recognize the item and vote.
Nice find sir and welcome to the community.
TnMtns