TN site is tremendous. it's amazing how much help and knowledge abounds!!!!
well the plate is not stamped. the flags and eagle are applied. the flags have 13 stars and stripes each. the plate measures 2.25" x 2.25". the owner has straightened & 'glued' the catch back on the reverse. he has framed it so we don't have the reverse view. the catch is squarely on the reverse, it does not stick out. may be referred to as a "combination set-up"? i just have the interest to search for the answer, i have no expertise.
i got to know the owner after my uncles death through numerous emails. finding he had been a metal detector, i approached him about any token finds. to this point i am helping him in identifying this unidentified plate buckle. along with this i have obtained a heck of a lot more appreciation for man kind.
yes, it was trying to be identified years back by the owner. there were estimations from 1830-40 militia to a 20th century civilian patriotic plate.
as for metal detecting in such surroundings that enables one to be comfortable, as well as being most fortunate, more power to 'em. fond memories i say! the owner is the webmaster for the fighting 69th division website and was with the 272nd inf. when 'east meets west' in WWII. and was personally in attendance at the official surrender of leipzig.
one person suggested looking through a book, (not sure title), maybe named encyclopedia of civil war artifacts by Lord. any chance anyone has this?
well, would it be reasonable to say the catch is 'less likely 20th century than pre civil war'? i don't know!
really appreciate any help. i have really enjoyed the tn site and hope to help others in return as i can. my competency is in trade tokens. mainly those used in coal, lumber & other industry. yes, some are worth over $100, but the majority are worth under $20. the area of numismatics is broad...to say the least!
mike
sorry, if my post rambles on too much. i'm just trodding along!
being the middle party is sort of like being deep in a ravine.
