Civil War Belt Buckle?

[silverdollarbill]

I picked this up at a family run estate sale. I chatted up the people who where running the sale (family friends). They said this belonged to the father of a WWII vet and said it was “pre WWI”. I saw some examples online saying it was Civil War era. It looks good to me? What do you think? Real? Belt is falling apart...I assume I can throw the belt away.

Also picked up a silver eagle and some silver quarters so not a bad day.

 

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[Molewacker]

Good maker mark for the era!

 

[villagenut]

Great belt plate.....keep the leather belt on it. Not trash.

 

[devldog]

Keep the belt with the plate.

 

[RustyRelics]

KEEP THE BELT!!!!!


I REPEAT KEEP THE BELT!


ABSOLUTELY KEEP THE BELT!


Nice buckle, and excellent pickup!


KEEP THE BELT!

 

[silverdollarbill]

Hey everyone...thanks for the feedback. Will keep the belt. I assumed belt was newer but maybe not. Will add pics of the belt later.

 

[smokeythecat]

KEEP THE BELT! That is one expensive set up! Congrats!

 

[Trezurehunter]

Very nice. I agree, keep the belt.

 

[silverdollarbill]

Thanks for the feedback on the belt. Here are pics of the belt. It’s made from 2 pieces of leather.

Any idea on the possible date range for this buckle? Could it be civil war era?

 

[artslinger]

What a great score! Congratulations. I've never seen any at garage sales. Hopefully one day one will come my way. :-)

 

[TheWalrus]

Professional leatherworker here, I specifically do mid 1700 to 1890 era goods for Rendezvous and other historical events. Without feeling the leather I cannot be sure, the stitch and skive of the connection looks correct to the very late 1800, the tell all is if it is waxed barbour thread or linen flax thread. The appearance of the cracking and age is correct, however that can be replicated with saltwater and sunlight. The buckle is a great find but beyond my makers mark knowledge.

 

[silverdollarbill]

Thanks for the info TheWalrus...always cool to learn new things. There are a few examples with this makers mark...this one being the closest.
https://www.horsesoldier.com/products/military-accoutrements/leather/belts/27315

Funny thing is...the belt was in the post pictures on top of a WWII navy uniform. The lady selling was quoting price for both. Some guy who I assume was a regular (I was out of town) just glanced at it and said “there are a lot of fakes, you need to be careful” and walked away.

I chatted the husband up outside, asked the history, then asked the lady selling if she would sell just the belt. She said yes and cut her price for both items in half but wouldn’t budge anymore. I’m not an expert in most things, but a lot of times who you are buying something from is more important than what you are buying. Based on who I bought this from, I think this is 100% legit.

 

[40 Rounds]

There are two basic types of these Civil War era enlisted belt buckles. This one is known as the "puppy paw" style because of the stud hooks on the back. The maker mark is a correct CW era producer of goods to the Federal army during the war. Not having it in hand it is diificult to be certain but yes it looks to be authentic Civil War issue. The leather belt under close examination should have a stamp on it. Probably very worn but it should be there.

 

[The Rebel]

Awesome score!

Ridgeway Reference Library, Civil War plates and buckles (relicman.com)

 

[GibH]

Excellent score. I once got a Spanish American War officer's buckle in a jar, so you just never know.

Again, awesome find and good eye.

 

[bigcaddy64]

Looks good to me. I'm usually suspect of military stuff unless its generic surplus. Your's look good from age to markings and wear

I actually found a similar "puppy paw" buckle years ago, in a relatively modern neighborhood in Calabasas, CA, stashed in a low cupboard in the garage. It didn't seem like it belonged but i still bought it out of curiosity. It was the belt buckle, belt, lead shot pouch and percussion cap pouch w/ flash hole cleaning pin. I don't remember the name on the leather but it had some waxy mold and broken stitches so condition was okay for the age. Check the belt closely and you will find a imprinted stamp of the maker

After some research, it proved to be real and period correct.


You've made quite the find. They must of made hundreds of thousand of those buckles but you don't see them often. Nice Score!