US Waist Belt Buckle Marked "W. H. SMITH / BROOKLYN"

Item: US Waist Belt Buckle Marked "W. H. SMITH / BROOKLYN"
Construction: Stamped thin sheet brass, with raised stamped letters "US", rear with solder fill and stud type attachment hooks.
Condition: Excellent, excavated. Its brass front, with its recognizable raised fat letters "US" found on Smith marked plates, has a dark taupe patina. The rim is complete with no issues other than very slight inward bending at each end most likely from period use. The rear has a near complete complement of solder with only a very tiny bit of surface flaking at the rim. The manufacturer's stamp of "W. H. SMITH / BROOKLYN" is stamped into the rear with nearly every letter still visible. All three belt attachment hooks remain in place. The plate has a body curve with no cracks, breaks or repairs.
Recovered: Knoxville, TN area.
Approximate size: 55 x 85 mm.
Reference: Examples of similar "W. H. SMITH / BROOKLYN" marked US waist belt buckles are pictured and described in the following reference books:

  • "American Military Belt Plates" by Michael J. O'Donnell and J. Duncan Campbell, on page 302, plate 483.
  • "Civil War Artifacts" by Howard Crouch, page 188, item 1.
  • "The Hammond Civil War Collection" by Mike O'Donnell & Howard Crouch, pages 102, item 4.

See above pages in additional images.

Comments: Though the Smith mark is the most common of manufacturer's stamps, most plates recovered do not have a manufacturer's stamp, making those that are recovered, a rarity and a great day for any relic hunter. This belt plate will be an excellent addition to any excavated Civil War plate or general relic collection.


Product Code:
PC6521

Price:
$350.00

This brand is available for:
BUCKLES , NEW ITEMS , GREAT GIFT IDEAS , ALL PLATES , FEDERAL RELICS , MAKER MARKED PLATES , MARKED RELICS

ORDER THIS ITEM - FREE SHIPPING*

Purchase this item immediately using any major credit card or Paypal through our secure check out system. To use this system, click on the blue “Add to Cart” button found above.

Checks and money orders also accepted.

Orders may also be placed anytime by:

  Phone or Text: 804-873-5462
  Email: virginiarelics@comcast.net 

When paying by check or money order, please include the item's Product Code or "PC" number with your order. Make payable to Virginia Relics and mail to:

Plez Bagby
PO Box 6425
Charlottesville, VA 22906

Free shipping applies to items shipped to contiguous (lower 48 states) US addresses only.