Civil War Belt Buckle at a Revolutionary War era Property

[PA Sleuth]

Got out today for a few hours with Vino. After watching him pull that belt plate out two weeks ago, it was now his turn to watch. This beauty was approximately two inches under the ground. My first military belt buckle, I couldn't be happier!



Once I got home, as I began to clean my find (following Vino's instructions to a T), I couldn't help but think of my late father-in-law, who passed away unexpectedly in June. He was a Civil War fanatic. Every year he would travel to Gettysburg, sometimes by himself, to walk Pickett's charge. The family joked that he must have fought and died at Gettysburg in a former life. He would have loved to hold this piece of history. This one is for you Jimbo.



DWV

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

A History of Mining on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska - Grab it through Amazon!

[Patriot Relics]

That's some dirt George has you on, congrats to you both on killer buckles

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

Cry Of The Eagle: History And Legends Of The Cherokee Indians And Their Buried Treasure - Grab it through Amazon!

[beez0404]

Congratulations on such a beautiful, well preserved piece of history. It's a beauty!

 

[parsonwalker]

Thank you, Vino said it looked like an early one. For those of us, like myself, who are not as familiar with these plates, can someone tell me the differences, or how you can date them based on their characteristics?

I am CERTAINLY no expert, but I will tell you what little I know. This is an early war, fat-letter puppy-paw like yours:



Notice the chunky letters (especially noticeable in the right side of the vertical leg of the "U"). On the back, the oval "studs" where the leather attaches, sort of resembles a puppy footprint. Thus the name "Puppy paw." These are early war. Below is another I found in clean sand where the maker's name (W.H. Smith, Brooklyn) was clearly visible right out of the hole.



A later war buckle has skinnier letters and "arrowhead" hooks. The hooks that hold the buckle to the belt are shaped like little arrowheads. Here is an example below I found with leather still attached.



You didn't ask about box plates. But they look like buckles and fit on a cartridge box flap. The difference is the attachment points. They will have rusty spots where an iron loop attached it to the leather. The back of one is below:



Hope this helps. And again, nice buckle!

 

[PA Sleuth]

Very informative, thank you

 

[Davers]

Got out today for a few hours with Vino. After watching him pull that belt plate out two weeks ago, it was now his turn to watch. This beauty was approximately two inches under the ground. My first military belt buckle, I couldn't be happier!

View attachment 1215535

Once I got home, as I began to clean my find (following Vino's instructions to a T), I couldn't help but think of my late father-in-law, who passed away unexpectedly in June. He was a Civil War fanatic. Every year he would travel to Gettysburg, sometimes by himself, to walk Pickett's charge. The family joked that he must have fought and died at Gettysburg in a former life. He would have loved to hold this piece of history. This one is for you Jimbo.

View attachment 1215536View attachment 1215537

DWV

Congratz..
I love it.
Sorry about your Dad.
Davers

 

[texjim]

Awesome plate, I got a two prong puppy paw with the makers mark J.I PITTMAN on the back in 2009.

 

[sutphin]

AWESOME FIND . 155 YEARS IN THE GROUND , NOW OUT AND BACK IN THE SUNSHINE .

 

[PA Sleuth]

Awesome plate, I got a two prong puppy paw with the makers mark J.I PITTMAN on the back in 2009.

If that find doesn't get you addicted to this hobby, nothing will

 

[NEPADIGGER7]

Awesome belt plate man George does his research with those sites!

 

[Tnmountains]

Very nice plate and rescue. Father time was starting to take his toll. Nice addition to any collection.

 

[PA Sleuth]

Very nice plate and rescue. Father time was starting to take his toll. Nice addition to any collection.

The lead on the back is extremely fragile and the brass on the edges of the front were starting to flake off. It's condition was certainly not improving being underground.

 

[Mach1Pilot]

Good to see an awesome plate saved! Hopefully you can find the other puppy paw nearby to put with it.

 

[Aquila]

cool find

 

[PA Sleuth]

Good to see an awesome plate saved! Hopefully you can find the other puppy paw nearby to put with it.

I searched the area thoroughly, nothing nearby

 

[metalev4]

Beautiful buckle and nice post. Congrats on a pretty plate.