MY FIRST US BELT PLATE AND MARTINGALE! !

[Vino]

Went back to the spot I got my Capped bust half Dollar, little over a week ago. Was able to find a few more things. 1918 dog tax tag, little lead soldier, and a silver pen. And a musket ball.
Then on my way out, I was swinging going towards my truck and I got this wierd signal with a high tones.
Dug down and pulled out the Martingale. Didn't know what it was, thought it might be a rosette, but Bill D confirm what it was. Then right next to it I get the same kind of signal, dug down, maybe 9inch and out popped this beautiful plate. ( at least I think it is) lol.
Man what a feeling to hold this in my hand.
Coins are great, but nothing beats history!
Thanks for being here and looking.
George

 

[joeyfresh]

Every day I log onto vinonet to see what treasures have been posted [emoji41]. Congrats on your first plate George and the martingale is cool too.

 

[49r Relics]

I agree whole heartedly, coins are fun to find but they are still just a coin where a personal Relic like a buckle was something a person used every day. Nice saves!

 

[Vino]

Those are some great finds--I like the martingale even more than the US plate. Don't see many martingales posted.

Thanks Erik,
Thats what I was thinking.
Wonder why?

 

[Vino]

George - that plate turned out great and has an awesome patina! Nice job on that martingale too. Keep 'em comin' man!!

Thanks Bill,
I love the patina also, thats all I wanted to do to it. You need to leave a little dirt on it, I believe.

 

[Vino]

Somehow, none of this surprises meCongrats, and all the hooks are intact...great save indeed.

Thanks VN.
I was shocked all the hooks were on it also.

 

[Vino]

Wow george, it's been a year for the record books for you!, I've run out of ways to say congrats, I've run out of feelings of amazement when I see your posts, now I'm just speechless!, it's been a great year for ya and Im glad I was able to snatch up some awesomeness down there before you found it all lol!

Thanks Chris. Thats was really kind words. I'm glad you grabbed a couple of things also.. Well maybe not the PISTAREEN? LOL

 

[Vino]

Nice finds George. Philadelphia supplied a lot of men during the Civil War, so I'm not surprised you're finding Civil War relics.

Thanks Steve,
Yes the Frankfort arsenal made alot of plates and bayonets and other hardware for the war.

 

[Vino]

I know you've been wanting some CW relics. Congrats on getting some nice ones

Thanks Dave,
Its funny I still only ever found 1three ringer.

 

[Gridwalker306]

Every day I log onto vinonet to what treasures have been posted [emoji41]. Congrats on your first plate George and the martingale is cool too.

Vinonet!! Hahaha so true! Nice one

 

[Vino]

So I'm checking all my stupid work texts and BOOM--civil war belt plate! Incredible find, it will go well with the rest of the treasure you've found this year. It's fall now, but the summer of George is still scorching hot!

Thanks Mike,
Man what a year!!!
This is the best hobby in the world.

 

[PA Sleuth]

Awesome finds, I know you have had your heart set on a civil war belt plate. Now you need to go out there and find the CS. If anyone in the Philly area can find one its you!

 

[port ewen ace]

ya did it again. I will gladly trade you that buckle for a cup filled with 3 ringers, consider writing a book in your golden years, even better--no words--just the pictures from a treasure finding Eveready bunny---he keeps finding, and finding and finding.....

 

[Vino]

Every day I log onto vinonet to what treasures have been posted [emoji41]. Congrats on your first plate George and the martingale is cool too.

Come on Joey!!
Its not that bad.. well maybe, ask my wife. She dont want to see anything anymore. Lol
I showed her Bill's video of his museum. And told her thats what I want.. She told me to contact her lawyer. .lol

 

[JeffInMass]

Talk about a holy grail!! What a find- Huge congrats to you!

-- Jeff --

 

[shoague]

you are so right history can't be beat

 

[OutdoorAdv]

What can I say man... Killer hunt! And you did a FANTASTIC job on that belt plate. Left just the right amount of dirt and the patina is perfect. Checked back in the book and martingale really looks like #12 on page 130.

 

[stefen]

What is the difference?
Dont know much about them.

Simply (the Readers Digest version) a martingale (aka, breast collar) is a triangular set of 3 belts/straps whose whole purpose is to keep a riders saddle from shifting backwards, primarily when riding up-hill.

A belt/strap is afixed to each side of a saddle either at the cinch 'D' ring or another separate riggin and they meet at the horses breast.

A third belt/strap is afixed to the cinch under the horses belly and extends to meet the other 2 belts/straps.

Typically the 3 belts/straps converge to a flat steel ring or a triangular leather plate.

The metal emblem you found is afixed to a triangular leather plate as an ornamental or decorative piece.

This contraption comprises the entire martingale.

Personally, I have several, each made of 3 inch wide tooled leather, with sheepskin wool padding, to match the carvings of the saddle. Also have a McClellan saddle (used in the Civil War and still made today) that uses a 1-1/2" wide belt for the same purposes.

I hope that this explanation gives you an idea of how your finds fits into the overall rigging. The picture is of a western rig which is imilar to a McClelland rig. Be aware that there are numerous other makeups for English, German, Polish, Peruvian, and the like.
If you look where the belts converge under the neck, that is where the martingale plate is located.

 

[Ahab8]

Great find brother. You have absolutely crushed it this year. I'm gonna have to catch you with my next Mass silver. Killer bro

 

[wayfas4u]

What a nice piece of history you unearthed! nice find man!

 

[pepperj]

Great day for the relics Vino, liking the plate and the Martingale.

The last post up you said: "Now back to the old toasted coppers." Little fib Vino