MY FIRST US BELT PLATE AND MARTINGALE! !

[Vino]

Went back to the spot I got my Capped bust half Dollar, little over a week ago. Was able to find a few more things. 1918 dog tax tag, little lead soldier, and a silver pen. And a musket ball.
Then on my way out, I was swinging going towards my truck and I got this wierd signal with a high tones.
Dug down and pulled out the Martingale. Didn't know what it was, thought it might be a rosette, but Bill D confirm what it was. Then right next to it I get the same kind of signal, dug down, maybe 9inch and out popped this beautiful plate. ( at least I think it is) lol.
Man what a feeling to hold this in my hand.
Coins are great, but nothing beats history!
Thanks for being here and looking.
George

 

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[Vino]

Simply (the Readers Digest version) a martingale (aka, breast collar) is a triangular set of 3 belts/straps whose whole purpose is to keep a riders saddle from shifting backwards, primarily when riding up-hill.

A belt/strap is afixed to each side of a saddle either at the cinch 'D' ring or another separate riggin and they meet at the horses breast.

A third belt/strap is afixed to the cinch under the horses belly and extends to meet the other 2 belts/straps.

Typically the 3 belts/straps converge to a flat steel ring or a triangular leather plate.

The metal emblem you found is afixed to a triangular leather plate as an ornamental or decorative piece.

This contraption comprises the entire martingale.

Personally, I have several, each made of 3 inch wide tooled leather, with sheepskin wool padding, to match the carvings of the saddle. Also have a McClellan saddle (used in the Civil War and still made today) that uses a 1-1/2" wide belt for the same purposes.

I hope that this explanation gives you an idea of how your finds fits into the overall rigging. The picture is of a western rig which is imilar to a McClelland rig. Be aware that there are numerous other makeups for English, German, Polish, Peruvian, and the like.
View attachment 1228416 If you look where the belts converge under the neck, that is where the martingale plate is located.

Thanks for that well spelled out response.
So, its a horse chest plate Lol

 

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[Vino]

Great find brother. You have absolutely crushed it this year. I'm gonna have to catch you with my next Mass silver. Killer bro

Thanks Brother,
And man would be so excited if you pulled another one, correction WHEN you pull another! !

 

[Vino]

ya did it again. I will gladly trade you that buckle for a cup filled with 3 ringers, consider writing a book in your golden years, even better--no words--just the pictures from a treasure finding Eveready bunny---he keeps finding, and finding and finding.....

Right a book
I can barely post!! Lol
As far as the trade, nahhh. Haha.

 

[Vino]

What can I say man... Killer hunt! And you did a FANTASTIC job on that belt plate. Left just the right amount of dirt and the patina is perfect. Checked back in the book and martingale really looks like #12 on page 130.

Thanks Brad,
You feel the same way I do about relic, the earned the right to be dirty!
And thanks for the info on the Martingale. .

 

[Doc Arey]

Great Saves!

 

[Silver Tree Chaser]

You are finding great stuff again & again. Keep pulling in those terrific finds.

 

[Brian W]

Great looking US buckle and Martingale....Congrats on an Epic hunt.

 

[sutphin]

UNBELEIVEABLE VINO ON THE FINDS .....

 

[bonepicker]

Wow Vino you had a great day..
Love those plates, I keep hoping I will get one of those one day........
Might have to change your username to plate-man.

 

[CASPER-2]

 

[beez0404]

Way to go George!!! Most folks wanting a couple pieces of Civil War history settle for three ringers. Not George though! You've got to find yourself a Union belt plate. Now the martingale? This was a breast plate decoration for a horse pulling a wagon or carriage? Amazing how you broaden your knowledge of different aspects of history because of this hobby. Again, awesome finds.

 

[parsonwalker]

Thanks Dave,
Its funny I still only ever found 1three ringer.

Man O man! Beautiful buckle (I mean REALLY) and the Martingale is just a gorgeous centerpiece in any collection. Fantastic man. Oh, and I hate to see you with just one 3 ringer. Tell ya what . . . I'll send you a hundred 3-ringers, and you send me that buckle OR that Martingale! How about it??

 

[parsonwalker]

Right a book
I can barely post!! Lol
As far as the trade, nahhh. Haha.

Just realized Port ewen beat me to the trade offer. But I offered a HUNDRED!?

 

[Gridwalker306]

ya did it again. I will gladly trade you that buckle for a cup filled with 3 ringers, consider writing a book in your golden years, even better--no words--just the pictures from a treasure finding Eveready bunny---he keeps finding, and finding and finding.....

Trade for a cup full of three ringers? I can beat that. I found a "battle site" of my own, I'll trade you all these authentic battle used guns. Many kids faked serious injuries and even death from these, oh the stories they could tell!

 

[Scrappy]

Nice plate with the arrow style hooks on the back bud. The lead fill is intact and the patina is awesome. I bet a lot of people wished ones they found came out as nice as yours! Congrats

 

[Vino]

Way to go George!!! Most folks wanting a couple pieces of Civil War history settle for three ringers. Not George though! You've got to find yourself a Union belt plate. Now the martingale? This was a breast plate decoration for a horse pulling a wagon or carriage? Amazing how you broaden your knowledge of different aspects of history because of this hobby. Again, awesome finds.

Thanks Jay,
What a hobby/ addiction. .
I have learn alot about, coins, history, soil, farming, military. .. and have met some good friends along the way.

 

[Vino]

Trade for a cup full of three ringers? I can beat that. I found a "battle site" of my own, I'll trade you all these authentic battle used guns. Many kids faked serious injuries and even death from these, oh the stories they could tell! View attachment 1228538

Now that is some funny stuff there.
Thanks for the laugh. .

 

[Patriot Relics]

That plate sure cleaned up great, congrats again George

 

[Ahab8]

Ya know buddy you've been really lucky that many of your best finds have been in beautiful condition. That US plate is about as pretty as one could ever hope for. Your 8 reales was gorgeous as well. You must have a small museum worth of finds in just 2 short years. I hope you can keep this hot streak going for a looong time. Chain cent next?

 

[Fingerlakes119]

congrats on the fine relics. You never stop out doing yourself. Great finds.

george