Rare "US" Indian War "H" buckle - ***More Pictures added 4/4***

[ModernMiner]

Today I headed back to the early 1800’s stone chimney property that I’ve been detecting at. I was only there about 5 minutes and got a somewhat iffy signal. After digging through some roots and pulling out a square nail and a Mason jar lid, there was still a signal. I reached my hand into the hole and worked the find around some roots. To my amazement I popped this relic out and saw the “US” on it! I thought it was a buckle of sorts but had no idea how old? I headed to the truck to get my video camera and shot this video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSzCR6MUwfk

Still shocked, I e-mailed a few Tnet members from my Blackberry to see if they knew what it was. After waiting for a reply for about an hour, Ty finally responded back that it was an Anson Mill’s belt plate from the American Indian War era (Circa 1881-1894).
Later I learned these buckles were used during the Spanish American War also.
The buckle is brass and dated “Feb. 1, 1881” on the back.
About two weeks ago I dug my first bullet from that era too (.45/70) at the same property.

At first I was a bit disappointed that this wasn’t a CW era buckle, but then realized that I had never seen one of these “H” buckles posted on Tnet before. Have you

My other finds were:
*1919 Wheat penny
*”Gilt” domed top button w/shank
*Cosmetic compact
*Rusty hook

No snakes today, but I did pull FIVE ticks off of my clothing.

Thanks for looking.
MM

[Felinepeachy]

WOW!!!!!!!!! That is too cool. Haven't seen one of those posted before. Congratulations

[rtde3]

Super cool find Bud!
First one I have seen anywhere!

Hey another compact for your display?

[ModernMiner]

WOW!!!!!!!!! That is too cool. Haven't seen one of those posted before. Congratulations

Thanks FP.
Hopefully there's a few more out there.
-Doug-

[cntrydncr1]

nice buckle! congrats

[Burdie]

Now that is the kind of finds I'm talkin about. That is a great one my friend. Congratulations. Leave the ticks out there.

Burdie

[DD-777]

HOLY MOLEY! It looks even better cleaned up! Outstanding Dug Never seen one here on T'net before! Glad I remained "tick free" today...



Yeah, I'll vote "BANNER" on the plate. Just because it's not CW doesn't mean it's not a significant find my friend...

[DMN]

Seen a lot of belts here, but nothing like that one. Sweet find. Seems it belonged to a cartridge belt. Hope there are a few smart people out there who can shed some light on the history.

[Felinepeachy]

WOW!!!!!!!!! That is too cool. Haven't seen one of those posted before. Congratulations

Thanks FP.
Hopefully there's a few more out there.
-Doug-

Save one for me to find

[Felinepeachy]

Never mind, you can have them. I just saw the word "TICK"

[DD-777]

Never mind, you can have them. I just saw the word "TICK"

Your such a chick...

[Felinepeachy]

Never mind, you can have them. I just saw the word "TICK"

Your such a chick...

HA!!! You must be too then because I know how you feel about ticks!!!

[ModernMiner]

Seen a lot of belts here, but nothing like that one. Sweet find. Seems it belonged to a cartridge belt. Hope there are a few smart people out there who can shed some light on the history.

DMN,
Here is a Rhode Island version with cartridge belt that I found on the internet.
-MM-

[Hill Billy]

Nope I've never seen one, but I would like to find one myself.
That's a cool find Doug, great hunt you had, congrats.

HB

[ModernMiner]

Super cool find Bud!
First one I have seen anywhere!

Hey another compact for your display?

Thanks Rob.
I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw that sucker.
I have a feeling I've only scratched the surface at this place.
-Dug-

HOLY MOLEY! It looks even better cleaned up! Outstanding Dug Never seen one here on T'net before! Glad I remained "tick free" today...



Yeah, I'll vote "BANNER" on the plate. Just because it's not CW doesn't mean it's not a significant find my friend...

Thanks for talking me off the ledge today Andy. Your turn next time. These Silver Umax's can sniff out the relics!
-Dug-

Now that is the kind of finds I'm talkin about. That is a great one my friend. Congratulations. Leave the ticks out there.

Burdie

Thanks Stan. I don't think ticks can survive in Kansas can they?
-Doug-

nice buckle! congrats

Thanks CD.
-Doug-

[ModernMiner]

Nope I've never seen one, but I would like to find one myself.
That's a cool find Doug, great hunt you had, congrats.

HB

Thanks HB.
If the Iron Brigade has found one yet, I feel honored.
-Doug-

[HEAVYMETALNUT]

thats awesome! congrats! that long iron piece on rock appears to be a colonial strap hinge from a door.you should take that home and put it in a relic display case

[ModernMiner]

that's awesome! congrats! that long iron piece on rock appears to be a colonial strap hinge from a door.you should take that home and put it in a relic display case

Thanks HMN.
I'll have to bring it home next time. I have a few old iron piles started out there. I dug both halves of a large cast iron cooking pan today. There are roots everywhere at this place. Makes for tough digging and very hard to get large items out of the ground. I think I need a chainsaw?
-Doug-

[Deepdiger60]

Nice find first one of those i have seen and in great shape to Good dig

16129 SPANISH AMERICAN WAR MOUNTED CARTRIDGE BELT BY SPALDING WITH MILLS 1887 BELT PLATE - (Dorsey, American Military and Naval Belts pp. 329-330, 277-288) This is sewn construction, not the patented woven construction used by Mills. During the Spanish American War the Mills factory lacked capacity to met the demand, so Spalding and Hurlburt were given contracts for cartridge belts with sewn construction. This one is made by Spalding, tan or khaki color with a brass “C” closure (buckle). About mint unissued with just very minor storage soiling. These hold 60 rounds of .30-40 Krag ammunition. All were delivered as Infantry pattern belts, but an unknown number were altered at Rock island Arsenal for Cavalry use by adding a saber chape with two rivets. The buckle is the stamped brass Mills M1887 model, usually issued to militia units. This buckle is likely one of the repros, but we will let you decide. Buckle is excellent with a mellow aged brass look. If desired, you could swap out the stamped brass buckle with a “C” closure from another belt. $375.00

[ModernMiner]

Nice find first one of those i have seen and in great shape to Good dig

16129 SPANISH AMERICAN WAR MOUNTED CARTRIDGE BELT BY SPALDING WITH MILLS 1887 BELT PLATE - (Dorsey, American Military and Naval Belts pp. 329-330, 277-288) This is sewn construction, not the patented woven construction used by Mills. During the Spanish American War the Mills factory lacked capacity to met the demand, so Spalding and Hurlburt were given contracts for cartridge belts with sewn construction. This one is made by Spalding, tan or khaki color with a brass “C” closure (buckle). About mint unissued with just very minor storage soiling. These hold 60 rounds of .30-40 Krag ammunition. All were delivered as Infantry pattern belts, but an unknown number were altered at Rock island Arsenal for Cavalry use by adding a saber chape with two rivets. The buckle is the stamped brass Mills M1887 model, usually issued to militia units. This buckle is likely one of the repros, but we will let you decide. Buckle is excellent with a mellow aged brass look. If desired, you could swap out the stamped brass buckle with a “C” closure from another belt. $375.00

Great info. Thanks DD60.
-Doug-