Militia or School Waist Belt Buckle, ca. 1850-1860

SOLD

Item: Militia or School Waist Belt Buckle, ca. 1850-1860
Construction: Cast brass with two integral belt hooks.
Design: Raised spread wing eagle encircled by beaded ring at the rim.
Condition: Excellent, non-excavated. Overall moderate dark brass patina. Rim is fully intact. The rear has belt attachment hook in place. There are no cracks, breaks, bends or repairs.
Approximate size: 49 x 76 mm.
Reference: Similar examples can be found in the following Civil War relic reference books:

  • "American Military Belt Plates" by Michael J. O'Donnell and J. Duncan Campbell, on page 354, plate 580
  • "Excavated Artifacts from Battlefields and Campsites of The Civil War Supplement 1" by Stanley S. Phillips on page 7 as items 1 & 2.
  • "The Hammond Civil War Collection" by Mike O'Donnell & Howard Crouch, page 126, item 3 and page 228, item 2.

See scans of the above pages in the additional images.

Comments: The simple design of this buckle is one of my favorites. I have only handled two of this type over the years making this a rare opportunity to add one to your collection. According to "American Military Belt Plates" by Michael J. O'Donnell and J. Duncan Campbell, on page 354 in the Remarks section:

"Sturdy, solid-cast plates of this design proliferated during the 1850s. Their simple inexpensive construction attracted a number of the less wealthy schools and military organizations. It features the spread-wing eagle worn as an army cap device, 1821-1851, and popular militia insignia during the 1840s and 1850s. Several have been excavated in Civil War camps."

This buckle will be an excellent addition to any excavated Civil War buckle, plate, or general relic collection.

Product Code:
PC3171

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