Rookie finds a belt buckle

[CoinBarren]

I just got my f4 two days ago.My first metal detector. I thought it would never get here. I rushed out and tested it in my pre-made test garden. All said and done i ended up losing 27 cents.I couldn't wait another minute to go hunt for coins even if i was starting my hobby 400.27 in the hole,not to mention i was less than confident in my skills lol. I went to the woods close to my home. I found an old house that had collapsed to the ground. My first solid hit was this belt buckle. It was 3 inches down, id said it was a 1$. I was so happy! When i saw that eagle on the buckle.Wow !!! I would like to know if anyone could help me date it also i would like to know if i should clean it or leave it alone.(guess i have seen to many episodes of Pawn Stars).

 

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[dig kzoo]

Cool buckle!

 

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[HutSiteDigger]

This is a Civil War Sword Officers belt plate and would not be the 1851 Sword Officers plate. Pretty kewl find, these actually were somewhat common to find in and around Stafford and Fredericksburg,Virginia but there getting more rare and rare to pull out of the ground. If you want to know the price for these they sell roughly in the $250 to $300 range.

 

[CoinBarren]

Thanks for all the info. I can't wait to add to the collection.
Happy Hunting

 

[jewelerguy]

awesome

 

[rhedden]

I'm 99% sure it's an authentic Union officer's belt plate. I found a similar Union Officer's sword belt plate in Maryland in 2002 or 2003. The patina is just about right, and it has a 3-digit number engraved in the back, which is another good sign. I thought I was digging up a beer can because these things produce such a strong signal that your detector will overload, so it's not surprising that the OP found it, even being inexperienced with his new machine. Congrats are in order!

 

[terpfan]

Awesome find! That would make a fine addition to anyone's collection.