✅ SOLVED Rifle sling buckle ?

[Mark1985]

I found this today in the area of my breast plate and bullets looks like a sling buckle to me what do you guys and lady's think

 

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[Charlie P. (NY)]

I think the image didn't stick. Don't see anything.

 

[Mark1985]

 

[TheCannonballGuy]

Definitely not a rifle-sling buckle. Most people call that type a suspender's-adjuster buckle. But you can see that the width of the opening could only accomodate a 1-inch-wide strap, which is narrower than most (but not all) suspenders-straps. It could also be a sock or stockings garter-strap adjuster buckle.

 

[CC Hunter]

What you have is a Hartshorn Patent 1855 pants or vest adjustment buckle.

These little buckles were commonly used to take up the slack, via a pair of adjustment straps, on the back of 19th Century trousers and vests.

CC Hunter

 

[CC Hunter]

Replies by TheCannonballGuy, and myself hit at the very same moment.

These items have indeed been commonly referred to as suspender buckles over the years by many diggers and collectors. Through research though, these types of buckles were in fact on nearly every pair of 19th Century pants, and carried on in use even into the early 20th Century (check out vintage Levi's and other pre-WWII jeans).

Here are a couple earlier discussions on the topic:

http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/what/280459-origin-age-type-small-buckle.html

http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/what/266105-cw-relic-2.html


CC Hunter

 

[TheCannonballGuy]

I thought about mentioning the vest/pantswaist adjuster-strap buckles, but I hadn't seen the 1855 patent for them. Thanks for the info, CC Hunter.

 

[Mark1985]

So could this have been used by a union soldier

 

[HutSiteDigger]

That buckle was likely used during the CW period if it dates to 1855.. Looks like you are on a buckle spree Mark! Keep it up!!!

 

[kuger]

......again,its about site provenance...the world was not created at the start of the CW.These buckles were use by every man that wore that style of trouser....which was a whole lot of em!

 

[HutSiteDigger]

Figuring all the civil war camps Mark is hitting up im sure he found that buckle in one of the camp areas? Maybe next buckle will be the two piece Virginia he is been looking so hard for! Prolly in that trench about 18 inches down Mark!

 

[Mark1985]

I dug that vest buckle on the side of the trench that's I dug my breast plate out of that why I feel like its period just wondering if it was around during then but now I see the 1855 comment

 

[CC Hunter]

The patent issued to Sheldon Hartshorn for his buckle design, was later reissued to the West Haven Buckle Company in 1874.

"The patent was reissued on February 3rd, 1874 under the reissue number 5,755, and was granted to the West Haven Buckle Company. The petition was submitted by George R. Kelsey, Treasurer for the West Haven Buckle Company. Extant examples of this buckle often vary in styling, but all bear the raised letters PATENT 1855. We intend to produce other styles manufactured under this patent, but this is the first in the series. This buckle is taken from an original which was found on a vest back in our collection. This buckle will admit a strap of 1" and is perfect for canteen straps, vest and trouser belt backs. It is available in either black or gilt finish."


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From experience in recovering artifacts from sites dating entirely within the 1850's decade, we find many examples of the Hartshorn style of pants and vest buckles, however none are noted with the Patent 1855 markings. Even in the American Civil War period sites we see these types of buckles, yet I cannot recall ever seeing one with with the Patent 1855 mark. In 1870's-1880's sites though, I have personally found the Patent 1855 marked pants and vest buckles literally by the hundreds, in both brass and steel. Apparently the Patent 1855 mark was only added after the reissue in 1874, as supported by excavated examples.

CC Hunter

 

[Davers]

Got lucky on my search.
2 ed Post I Checked.

I dug a buckle of this type a few weeks back ,& just cleaned it up yesterday 'Had to be careful ',as it is whole but has a small crack right at one of the arms that hold the piece with the 2 points in place.
"
Funny mine was found in N Ga, & is marked (98% Sure)" NASHWANNUCK M.F.G." where most others are marked with the Patent Date.
Thanks for the Info, Everybody.
Davers

P.S. This Buckle was Dug in a US CW Calvary Camp.