pre civil war? belt plate or.....?

[intimer]

this belongs to a 91 yr. old guy who found it years ago in middle ga.
he has asked if i could help him identify and evaluate it.
i've just registered so this is my first time asking a question.
i don't have the item so only one picture. he says the 'hook' piece was attached before he attempted to straigten it...a little! i have seen a few other of his items and they all have beautiful patina. i'm saying the picture is 'off color' a little.

thanks for any help! mike

 

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[Montana Jim]

Welcome to Treasurenet... great post!

That's a beautiful buckle!

I do NOT know if it's militia... my OPINION is that it's a civilian piece, the eagle and flag motifs were huge in the mid to late 1800s. They were painted and drawn of everything civilian; signs, lables, paintings, plaques, furniture, locks, containers and jewelry. They are patriotic symbols used everyplace you could look during that time. They have adorned belt buckles and suspender clamps/hooks and hair brushes. Given the flags it's decidedly NOT confederate... me thinks.

It has a wonderful looking petina, I have no clue if it's real of fake petina though, and would make a most amazing display!

It looks handcrafted and one-of-a-kind... I hope you can find out more!

 

[creskol]

Welcome to Treasurenet... great post!

That's a beautiful buckle!

I do NOT know if it's militia... my OPINION is that it's a civilian piece, the eagle and flag motifs were huge in the mid to late 1800s. They were painted and drawn of everything civilian; signs, lables, paintings, plaques, furniture, locks, containers and jewelry. They are patriotic symbols used everyplace you could look during that time. They have adorned belt buckles and suspender clamps/hooks and hair brushes. Given the flags it's decidedly NOT confederate... me thinks.

It has a wonderful petina, in certainly a period piece, and would make a most amazing display!

It looks handcrafted and one-of-a-kind... I hope you can find out more!

I agree with Jim .. It sure is a beauty!

 

[wildrider]

I'm looking through my American Military Belt Plate book by O'Donnell & Campbell, but I haven't found it.
I wish we had a pic of the back. The attachment seems very unusual to me. I'll post again if I find anything.
w

 

[intimer]

thanks for the quick responses. i will contact the owner and ask for the reverse view and maybe the dimensions. mike

 

[BuckleBoy]

I have searched for this buckle of yours too--and haven't turned up anything militia-related. I think it's a civilian piece. If there was any way to see the back side of it, I think that would seal the deal. My hunch is that the buckle is quite thin, and stamped rather than cast. But it is a fine piece, and an attractive display item.


Best wishes,



Buckles

 

[Montana Jim]

That buckle has appeared over the years in various publications, as much as fifteen or so years ago at this point.

Joe Lipsius is the finder of that buckle, and I think he keeps hoping that it is older than it likely is, and military. I remember seeing him in old treasure magazines detecting in socks and sandals.

It is cool looking though. Very martial looking, but maybe even patriotic marching band or something. 

Intriquing... but since you are the name dropper - here is a link for those interested.

http://www.69th-infantry-division.com/Joestuff/index.html

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

That buckle has appeared over the years in various publications, as much as fifteen or so years ago at this point.

Joe Lipsius is the finder of that buckle, and I think he keeps hoping that it is older than it likely is, and military. I remember seeing him in old treasure magazines detecting in socks and sandals.

It is cool looking though. Very martial looking, but maybe even patriotic marching band or something.

Intriquing... but since you are the name dropper - here is a link for those interested.

http://www.69th-infantry-division.com/Joestuff/index.html

yup... scroll down... http://www.69th-infantry-division.com/Joestuff/treasure_photos.htm

A yet to be identified militia buckle with belt catch. The catch was attached, but bent, when the buckle was found. It broke off in a straightening attempt.

 

[intimer]

TN site is tremendous. it's amazing how much help and knowledge abounds!!!!

well the plate is not stamped. the flags and eagle are applied. the flags have 13 stars and stripes each. the plate measures 2.25" x 2.25". the owner has straightened & 'glued' the catch back on the reverse. he has framed it so we don't have the reverse view. the catch is squarely on the reverse, it does not stick out. may be referred to as a "combination set-up"? i just have the interest to search for the answer, i have no expertise.

i got to know the owner after my uncles death through numerous emails. finding he had been a metal detector, i approached him about any token finds. to this point i am helping him in identifying this unidentified plate buckle. along with this i have obtained a heck of a lot more appreciation for man kind.

yes, it was trying to be identified years back by the owner. there were estimations from 1830-40 militia to a 20th century civilian patriotic plate.

as for metal detecting in such surroundings that enables one to be comfortable, as well as being most fortunate, more power to 'em. fond memories i say! the owner is the webmaster for the fighting 69th division website and was with the 272nd inf. when 'east meets west' in WWII. and was personally in attendance at the official surrender of leipzig.

one person suggested looking through a book, (not sure title), maybe named encyclopedia of civil war artifacts by Lord. any chance anyone has this?

well, would it be reasonable to say the catch is 'less likely 20th century than pre civil war'? i don't know!

really appreciate any help. i have really enjoyed the tn site and hope to help others in return as i can. my competency is in trade tokens. mainly those used in coal, lumber & other industry. yes, some are worth over $100, but the majority are worth under $20. the area of numismatics is broad...to say the least!
mike

sorry, if my post rambles on too much. i'm just trodding along!
being the middle party is sort of like being deep in a ravine.

 

[intimer]

yeah, good note. makes me wonder 'pieces' from 'other somethings' put together in a most patriotic way...

mike