Federal Sword Plate Found While Searching for Property Corners!

[FoundInNC]

I just found my first Civil War Federal Sword plate! This 1851 model buckle was worn by Union Officers on a sword belt! I had no idea I would find such a cool relic when I set out to find property corners in northern Caswell County, Pelham township! I finished finding my stobs and decided to dig around the old chimney on the property and this turns up! There were only about 30 minutes of light, so I was only able to dig 14 targets....the plate was the last! I don't get to dig much anymore so this is AWESOME! I can't wait to research the old cabin site further! I own it, so it is not going anywhere!

I have a video, it is on my facebook page, "Bradley Thomas Dixon" I could not load it here.
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10105020714654499&id=11817582



Here is a picture of the chimney from this summer.

 

[Carolina Tom]

Congrats on a sweet find, and in such nice condition too.

Very well done sir.

 

[mikefromIllinois]

Very nice plate. Sometimes those unexpected finds turn out to be the best. Congrats.

 

[RudyT]

Great job!!

 

[Steve in PA]

That's a great find. You will have to give that area a lot more attention!

 

[Yak1366]

Awesome plate in great condition!!!

 

[smokeythecat]

It's awesome. The only way to find good things anymore is to find an untouched site, and to do that it will be one not in the history books and or think out of the box. Nice job.

 

[Kurios1]

That's just crazy COOL right there mate. That plate is TOP SHELF relic material. Such a beautiful find. You have to work that area with a fine tooth comb, or a backhoe and sifter!!! Amazing recovery. Keep us posted as there has to be some related relics and coins lurking about.

 

[Truth]

THAT IS A AMAZING FIND!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!

 

[smokeythecat]

The plate is just plain awesome. If you look carefully at it, you can see most of the dirt has been brushed off. A fair amount still remains, especially in the corners. If you look at the dirt itself, it appears there was probably quite a bit of ash in the ground (duh, it was near a chimney) and the ash would act as a preservative. The ash tends to neutralize acidic soil and under such conditions, items can come out of the ground in great shape, as in this plate. Under the dirt is a rich, dark green patina. A gorgeous piece and a find a of lifetime for its condition.

 

[wagbert]

There are CW plates, and then there are CW plates. That sir, is a CW PLATE. I enjoyed your youtube video, and have voted BANNER for this find. Good Luck !

 

[Patriot Relics]

Wore the same plate my 1st class year at VMI, incredible recovery especially given you own the property. Imagine there's a lot more where that came from

 

[bill from lachine]

FoundinNC,

Great looking beltplate.....most detectorist never find one in any condition and that one is stellar.

Regards + HH

Bill

 

[smokeythecat]

From someone who has been looking for stuff since the 1960's this plate has been in the ground over 150 years. If you zoom in on the thing, notice the thick patina has chipped off the left top corner where it is being held. Check the "damage" on some of the stars, especially on the left. Note carefully where the dirt remains. This plate has been sitting and waiting for someone to rescue it a very, very long time. Experience tells the tale. This plate is awesome. Beyond awesome. My one CSA was that nice, also a GA Frame buckle, but none of the others from the period I have dug have been this nice. (Jealous).

 

[smokeythecat]

I'm with Bill.-stellar is a good word.

 

[Tnmountains]

Thread is back on track. Very nice plate.

 

[Fullstock]

Very cool, congratulations!

 

[Scrappy]

Thread is back on track. Very nice plate.

Thanks man!

To the OP - what a wonderful plate and I’m so stoked for you about the condition. We all know how much does not come out of the ground looking nice - so I’m glad this beauty came out looking so good. Cheers!

 

[birdman]

Well done, beautiful plate!!

 

[detectahead]

That is one beautiful plate!
Big congrats!

 

[bill from lachine]

smokeythecat,

Good eye and yes you can see where some of the verdigris has flaked off. It's not my call but don't think I'd try to clean it much more.

Regards + HH

Bill

From someone who has been looking for stuff since the 1960's this plate has been in the ground over 150 years. If you zoom in on the thing, notice the thick patina has chipped off the left top corner where it is being held. Check the "damage" on some of the stars, especially on the left. Note carefully where the dirt remains. This plate has been sitting and waiting for someone to rescue it a very, very long time. Experience tells the tale. This plate is awesome. Beyond awesome. My one CSA was that nice, also a GA Frame buckle, but none of the others from the period I have dug have been this nice. (Jealous).