Unexpected to say the least!

[paleomaxx]

After my fantastic last ( doubtful) metal detecting hunt of 2017 I went to a benefit auction for a local horse rescue. They do it every year and it's tons of fun, but mostly antique furniture and other items that I don't have much experience in so I rarely buy much. Towards the end of the night when most people had left the auctioneer announced a " patriotic eagle curtain tie back." I was curious so I raised my paddle for the opening bid and made my way up to take a closer look, but by the time I got there I had already won it! This is what they put in my hands:



What do you guys think? At first I thought it was neat that they modeled the design after a breast plate, but when I flipped it over I saw there were the nubs of iron that looked an awful lot like they had sawed the iron loops off of an actual breast plate and then just lead soldered the brass screw on. Is it possible I just got a non-dug civil war breast plate for next to nothing? I'm open to hearing that it's just a reproduction; it seems to good to be true!

 

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[smokeythecat]

I can see where the iron loops were cut off for sure. There are places online to compare the old ones from the new ones. I have a book, I'll see if I can find it.

 

[highnam]

I can't say I know much about civil war breast plates, but I find it curious that the front looks perfect and the back looks extremely old...I can't see a reproduction having these characteristics, my guess is real deal

 

[CRUSADER]

Looks converted to me, maybe worth converting back??

 

[Trezurehunter]

Your theory sounds good to me, and makes sense with the two marks on the back.

 

[pepperj]

Very nice buy, congrats
This looks pretty close to your back, so it pretty well confirms it I'm thinking.

 

[against the wind]

I would send the plate in to have it restored professional.
Congrats on your first patriotic eagle curtain tie back, lol.

 

[jewelerguy]

almost looks like that screw was set in with JB Weld. wtf?

 

[paleomaxx]

I would send the plate in to have it restored professional.
Congrats on your first patriotic eagle curtain tie back, lol.

I guess in upstate New York you don't look for civil war relics in the ground, but in the walls!

 

[Kurios1]

Judging from PepperJ's picture I think you scored the real deal mate. That's a crazy great auction recovery! Well done! Like another member has suggested I would have it professionally restored back to original. Too COOL!

 

[Evolution]

That's amazing. Makes you wonder what else whoever did that re-purposed in their house. Great eye and great score.

 

[paleomaxx]

Makes you wonder what else whoever did that re-purposed in their house.

Definitely, like if they had a matching piece for the other side. I'll be keeping a lookout; that's for sure!

 

[Professor of Engineering]

Nice find!