Early US Buckle - has never been IDd, figured I would throw it out here

[HomeGuardDan]

Early US Buckle - has never been ID'd, figured I would throw it out here

I will post some better pictures this evening. This is a small 3"x1" buckle with a cast tongue on the reverse and solder marks for an attachment bar (missing). It is cast brass in the shape of an early eagle. This piece has perplexed many collectors - some have considered it an early belt rig, others a sash buckle (though heavy cast brass suggests differently)

Dan

 

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[kuger]

I will be watching this one,fantastic buckle!!!!!

 

[Subterranean]

If your photo is correct, the eagle's head is facing to the left, rare in the early US military or militia insignia. I found a few buttons in reference books, US Army Infantry, Artillery, and Riflemen circa 1835-1840, with the eagle's head in the rare left face, arrows in the right talons and olive branch in the left. I don't know if this helps narrow down a date, but congrats on a super find. Any plans to restore it to original shape? Sub

 

[creskol]

I will be watching this one,fantastic buckle!!!!!

Me too! I have no ideas, but that sure is pretty!

 

[flatbutton]

Super nice piece! Thanks for sharing that with us