REPRO?

[jhamner]

Just found this at a local thrift store. I feel pretty certain it's a reproduction, but then I started to think "what if?" I need some help from you pro's out there! Thanks!

P.S.--Hard to see, but both parts have crude # 12's on them. By crude, I mean the 1&2 don't line up with each other well.

 

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[TheCannonballGuy]

Unfortunately, your photos are out-of-focus doubleimaged, so we cannot see the details of the buckle's emblem (nor the numbers) clearly. No offense, but you've got to do better than that before anybody will be able to tell with certainty whether it is a Reproduction or an Original buckle.

Also, we need precise measurement of the rectangular loops' height and the wreath's height. Rough-estimating by the ruler in your photo, the loops seem to be shorter than the standard 50-millimeter (or slightly more) height for the loops on that type of Virginia 2-piece buckle.

There is no EXACT match-up for your version in the book "American Military Belt Plates" nor the original edition of the book "Confederate Buckles & Plates." (I do not own a copy of the Expanded Edition of the latter book.) All of the above being said, most Reproduction 2-piece buckles have solid-cast bodies. Yours has a stamped-brass disc which is soldered onto the buckle's tongue-bar. That is much more expensive to manufacture than simply making a solid-cast copy.

So, I suggest you make the well-focused closeup photos that are needed, along with precise size-measurements, and email them to Mike O'Donnell, the co-author of the "American Military Belt Plates" book. I'll send you his email address in a Private Message.

 

[jewelerguy]

if real, that's a heck of a thrift store find

 

[jhamner]

if real, that's a heck of a thrift store find

Agreed......but don't think this one is "real"

 

[jhamner]

better pics

I was able to take some pictures which I think are a little better than the first ones. I still want to email Mr. O'Donnell once I can get some accurate measurements.

 

[CRUSADER]

I'm clueless on these, but if that's a copy, it's hella of a good one. Even has a bend to the wreath loop (end bit where the belt went).

 

[jhamner]

I'm clueless on these, but if that's a copy, it's hella of a good one. Even has a bend to the wreath loop (end bit where the belt went).

I don't know either, Crusader. I've looked at a lot of books and pictures, etc. of the real thing, an everything looks "right" except the pattern on the front of the wreath. All the real ones I've looked at have a slightly different pattern than mine. I need to get a caliper and make some really accurate measurements. Thanks for your post!