Mystery Badge - Wow

[philipknaggs]

Hi Everyone,

I am very new here. Do a lot of detecting... I found this on the island of Tobago in the Caribbean, near an old fort that dates back to the 1700's.

I found this USA badge in great condition, and showed it to a visiting (very knowledgeable) friend from Virginia. He became quite excited when he saw it. He said that this was the 1st time he had ever seen anything like it reading "THE" United States of America. He also said that it is a serious collector piece with a high worth.

Can anyone tell me about it? Date it?

Pictures attached!!!

 

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[creskol]

I am pretty sure that is a 1960's era or later belt buckle

 

[IronSpike]

I am pretty sure that is a 1960's era or later belt buckle

I agree on the time frame This patriotic buckle is still sold today.

Welcome to Tnet philipknaggs Cool buckle

 

[CRUSADER]

I am pretty sure that is a 1960's era or later belt buckle

I agree on the time frame This patriotic buckle is still sold today.

Welcome to Tnet philipknaggs Cool buckle

 

[Mackaydon]

At one time, your buckle may have been painted like this somewhat similar buckle:
http://www.trueswords.com/united-st....html?osCsid=e30b80ba9393bf5cba7e2c163318cc48

 

[philipknaggs]

At one time, your buckle may have been painted like this somewhat similar buckle:
http://www.trueswords.com/united-st....html?osCsid=e30b80ba9393bf5cba7e2c163318cc48

very interesting "similar" buckle. However, the one you referred to looks like pewter vs. my bronze. Also, the pewter one is a) much less ornate...and b) has the word "great" on it (unlike mine). Now they ARE very similar, however I have a feeling that the design itself has been around for a long while. Copied and copied over the years...

 

[creskol]

At one time, your buckle may have been painted like this somewhat similar buckle:
http://www.trueswords.com/united-st....html?osCsid=e30b80ba9393bf5cba7e2c163318cc48

very interesting "similar" buckle. However, the one you referred to looks like pewter vs. my bronze. Also, the pewter one is a) much less ornate...and b) has the word "great" on it (unlike mine). Now they ARE very similar, however I have a feeling that the design itself has been around for a long while. Copied and copied over the years...

Many renditions, but still a 1960's or later buckle.

 

[Goodyguy]

Here's another style bronze....from the 6o's
There was also one made for every state of the union, plus Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force.


It was the back of yours that gave the time frame away.

 

[Tony in SC]

They were also sold at the PX. Tony

 

[Goodyguy]

Hi Everyone,

I am very new here. Do a lot of detecting... I found this on the island of Tobago in the Caribbean, near an old fort that dates back to the 1700's.

I found this USA badge in great condition, and showed it to a visiting (very knowledgeable) friend from Virginia. He became quite excited when he saw it. He said that this was the 1st time he had ever seen anything like it reading "THE" United States of America. He also said that it is a serious collector piece with a high worth.

Can anyone tell me about it? Date it?

Pictures attached!!!

Sell it to him for whatever he will pay!

GG~

 

[philipknaggs]

Hi Everyone,

I am very new here. Do a lot of detecting... I found this on the island of Tobago in the Caribbean, near an old fort that dates back to the 1700's.

I found this USA badge in great condition, and showed it to a visiting (very knowledgeable) friend from Virginia. He became quite excited when he saw it. He said that this was the 1st time he had ever seen anything like it reading "THE" United States of America. He also said that it is a serious collector piece with a high worth.

Can anyone tell me about it? Date it?

Pictures attached!!!

Sell it to him for whatever he will pay!

GG~

He liked this one as well. Found on the same site. York Rangers Circa. 1802
The next one, also from the same site, Royal Scots 1804

What do you think

 

[Goodyguy]

WOW!!! Now that's more like it!!!
Show the backs please.

Awesome!

GG~

 

[Mackaydon]

I think they're fantastic!!
Some history regarding the Scots buckle image:
According to legend, the "guardian thistle" has played its part in the defense of the ancient realm of Scotland against a night attack by the Danes, one of whom let out a yell of pain when he stepped on a prickly thistle, thus alerting the Scottish defenders. In the motto "No-one provokes me with impunity" (Latin: "Nemo me impune lacessit"), "me" was therefore originally the thistle itself, but by extension now refers to the Scottish crown and the Scottish regiments which have adopted it.
A portion of that motto can still be seen in your buckle (the "P" in 'impune').
Don.........

 

[philipknaggs]

I think they're fantastic!!
Some history regarding the Scots buckle image:
According to legend, the "guardian thistle" has played its part in the defense of the ancient realm of Scotland against a night attack by the Danes, one of whom let out a yell of pain when he stepped on a prickly thistle, thus alerting the Scottish defenders. In the motto "No-one provokes me with impunity" (Latin: "Nemo me impune lacessit"), "me" was therefore originally the thistle itself, but by extension now refers to the Scottish crown and the Scottish regiments which have adopted it.
A portion of that motto can still be seen in your buckle (the "P" in 'impune').
Don.........

You have a great eye! And yes, I was able to eventually make out most of the latin inscription. Here are the backs of the 2 badges!!

 

[Goodyguy]

Definitely the real deal!!!

Thanks for sharing those. any more?

GG~

 

[philipknaggs]

Also from one day on site in September:

 

[Goodyguy]

Dang! You were holding out on us.
Doesn't change my mind on your first buckle though

That's a lot of pipe stems! Love those cannon balls.
Got a closeup of the flint?

 

[philipknaggs]

Dang! You were holding out on us.
Doesn't change my mind on your first buckle though

That's a lot of pipe stems! Love those cannon balls.
Got a closeup of the flint?

You got it!

 

[philipknaggs]

Dang! You were holding out on us.
Doesn't change my mind on your first buckle though

That's a lot of pipe stems! Love those cannon balls.
Got a closeup of the flint?

And... got this off a 1797 Spanish shipwreck. Lovely wooden carved handle. Has a hole from the skinny end penetrating almost all the way through, as if something was inserted.
Hard to see, but the skinny end has 2 notches as if to help hold the rod (?) in place.

Any idea what it could be

 

[NHBandit]

I have to agree with the others. You have some very cool very old stuff and one VERY modern belt buckle. The method of attatching it to the belt using the metal loop is a dead giveaway. This is a modern mass produced buckle. At home I have several belt buckle catalogs from back when I was doing leatherwork and I know I've seen this buckle in there for less than $10. Probably made of brass. Unfortunately I'm not at home and can't look to verify that at the moment. HH