My First Cast Buckle!

[mtnbay]

I had been researching an area off an old Gold Rush era road in the foothills above Sacramento. I came across an old map that showed where a homestead was in the 1850's. Once at the site I was finding tons of square nails which is a good sign. This buckle was from my 3rd dig on a good signal I was blown away. A bucket list item for me. I do not know much about the buckle and appreciate any info anyone can share with me about this style of buckle. Thanks.

 

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[Terry Soloman]

AWESOME Find - Congratulations!

 

[oxbowbarefoot]

Wow, great looking buckle. Someone will be able to get you an ID.

 

[texjim]

Awesome find. Can't wait to see what comes out next.

 

[trapperart]

Congrats on a great find

 

[tennessee digger]

That is a part of a 2 piece militia buckle that will generally date mid 1830's to the late 1840's. You have the tongue portion. Great find, now go back and find the wreath to it!

 

[Captain Caveman]

Congratz on a great buckle! I hope you can find the other side!

 

[Showtime2385]

Beautiful! Congrats

 

[caprock]

Your buckle was made between 1850 and 1855 known as the "Large eagle with 27 stars and 5 feathers". It is not cast brass, but stamped brass. I have included photos showing difference of cast vs. stamped buckle. It can be found in the book "California Gold Rush Buckles and the Men that wore them " by Max Bell, page 73-74. Classic example of tongue and wreath buckle worn by California Gold miners. Many early images of miners show these buckles being worn. Notice the young miner in group photo, front row far left is wearing one. These buckles have absolutely no military affiliation, made for civilian use. Excellent find congrats.

 

[mtnbay]

Thanks for all the info gents! I hope to get back out to the site on Saturday at the crack of dawn and see what else is out there. The property owner gave me permission to dig the adjacent property which is 100+ acres and sits right along a creek that had camps on it during the Gold Rush.