Curious about this eagle belt plate. Any ideas?

[1digger]

I found this eagle insignia belt plate today on the grounds of a house that was built around the turn of the 20th century. Also found there was a small copper badge that seemed to be a souvenir from the "Annual State Encampment", celebrated (I believe) in Philadelphia in 1899. Is this a belt plate from that period or is it actually Civil War? For all I know, it could be civilian. Also found, 1862 "fattie", pewter spoon handle and some odds and ends. Thanks for looking and any help will be appreciated!

 

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[BC1969]

Dang! nice stuffs! wish I could find finds like that nowadays!

Mike

 

[CRUSADER]

Tag.

That's a new one to me on this site, awaiting the response. (looks patriotic?)

 

[Ahab8]

Well your other finds certainly suggest to me that your site is far older than you previously thought. The pewter button is extremely old for sure. That is a beautiful eagle plate. I will let the military experts give you their opinion. I hope the best but regardless it's a beauty

 

[DigIron2]

Looks like its earlyer then civil war to me.but I dont know? ,I am courious to see what some of the experts say.I am coriouse about that badge too.about what parts are you from?nice finds!

 

[niffler]

looks like militia...

 

[Old Dude]

Can you give dimensions of the plate ( preferably in mm if possible )? I have found something very similar in my belt plates book. A matching size will help.

 

[Rick (Nova Scotia)]

Found it listed as "common militia belt plate circa 1825"

 

[dirtlooter]

very nice, awesome site with finds like those

 

[Old Dude]

That is the same one I saw, Rick!

 

[Rick (Nova Scotia)]

That is the same one I saw, Rick!

Was it on a repo site ?

I was "working on it for a few minutes, and others had replied in between there or I wouldn't have bothered, no sense repeating...eh.

 

[Old Dude]

The one I found is a legitimate plate same as your ID. This is the reverse and looks right.

 

[1digger]

Hi Old Dude! I only have access to inches, but it measures 2 and 3/4 by 1 and 3/4. That looks very similar! The backing looks almost like tin and the eagle looks like copper or brass. Thanks! Any more info? I'm from the Lancaster area of south central PA.

 

[1digger]

Converted that would be 69.85 mm by 44.45 mm, i think

 

[Old Dude]

According to the book American Military Belt Plates it was rolled copper face applied to a sheet of iron backplate and die-struck together. Ends of backplate bent inward to fashion tongues. Lead or pewter flashing around outer edges.

 

[Old Dude]

The size in the book is 44 by 70 mm....looks very close!

 

[Old Dude]

Was it on a repo site ?

I was "working on it for a few minutes, and others had replied in between there or I wouldn't have bothered, no sense repeating...eh.

I think it is good that we both had the same find, especially since I know nothing about them, lol.

 

[1digger]

Yes, I would say that is it. Where did you find yours? Any tips on cleaning or idea of value? Thanks everyone for your help. Pennsylvania militia?

 

[Old Dude]

Sorry, Digger...I didn't find one...I was telling Rick that it was good we found the same ID for Yours.

 

[beez0404]

I'd say you have an amazing site that you're hunting. Wonderful finds already. Very nice!