Jump to content

Civil War Officer Buckle


 Share

Recommended Posts

This is a buckle that I've had for a while but it was only until recently that I've had worries that it was a post war plate. The hook on the back seems to large for a civil war period plate. There's also a matching 53 on the buckle and on the other belt attachment. If any body can confirm or ID differently please let me know! Thanks!

post-173715-0-37022600-1510577178_thumb.jpeg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I am no expert, but both of my reference books show this to be smaller for the M1851 plate, and even the 1874 plate, Both of the M1851 plates I own are smaller....?? keep asking. JMO

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks. The back hook just seems too large for a civil war piece but its not made like a m1872 buckle either, so I don't know.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

While the issue 1851 belt plates will have the narrower hook this one is a commercial product for purchase by an officer or pretentious NCO and the like-- note the integrally cast wreath. On commercial plates you will get both wide and narrow hooks. There is some tendency to date the wider hooks as a bit later in the war, but I don't think that really holds up. In any case, you will find plenty of war date examples with the wider hook in O'Donnell and Campbell, American Military Belt Plates.

The belt slot on the side of the plate marks it as the 1851 pattern. The later versions of the 1870s, 80s etc. do use the wider hook, but they eliminate the belt slot and use a bar on the back of the plate.

All that having been said, the hasp has an odd look- it seems too roughly cast-- and there are some very good replicas out there, so i would nose around online and make sure it does not line up with one of them. A couple of dealers keep archives on their sites of reproduction and fake buckles that would be worth looking at. I would try googling "fake and reproduction buckles" and the like to bring them up.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...