Unknown military or militia buckle.

[bdsawyer]

I found this buckle in a legitimate collection of American Civil War artifacts, but have questioned if it was real or not. Anyone recognize this buckle, and do you think it’s a repro ? The only stamp is an M on the back. It measures about 2 1/4” by 2 1/2”. Thank you.

 

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[TheCannonballGuy]

I checked all the way through the 616-page collectors' reference-book "American Military Belt Plates" for you, and your buckle isn't in that book, unless I somehow missed seeing it. Your buckle has the characteristics of a Militia waist-belt plate, from sometime between the 1850s through about 1900. The fact that it is a semi-thick "rolled-brass" plate with brazed-on attachment provisions and a stamped Inspector's-mark "M" on it strongly indicate it is an Original, not a Reproduction. That's all I can tell you about it.

 

[TheCannonballGuy]

I checked all the way through the 616-page collectors' reference-book "American Military Belt Plates" for you, and your buckle isn't in that book, unless I somehow missed seeing it. Your buckle has the characteristics of a Militia waist-belt plate, from sometime between the 1850s through about 1900. The fact that it is a semi-thick "rolled-brass" plate with brazed-on attachment provisions and a stamped Inspector's-mark "M" on it strongly indicate it is an Original, not a Reproduction. That's all I can tell you about it from its form-&-construction.

It shows a typical Militia-style emblem of the mid-1800s. It might be South Carolina, because the "tree" somewhat resembles a Palmetto tree. Atop the tree is a "Liberty Cap," another common Militia symbol. The tree is flanked on each side by various weapons and draped flagpoles. all above two cannons facing opposite directions. The motto on the ribbon is too worn for me to read it. If you could tell us what it says, perhaps by reading the back of the buckle, we could research the motto.

 

[nhbenz]

That's the Coat of Arms of Haiti.

 

[masterjedi]

I am no expert but I also go with South Carolina. Cant wait to hear what the experts come up with for your buckle. very cool.

 

[nhbenz]

This variation is more recent, with the bayonets moved closer to the center:

 

[joesmarbles]

Motto is Unity makes Strenght, Haitian.....Joe McDonough

 

[smokeythecat]

Great ID. Who would have guessed.

 

[Spats]

Flying Tiger Antiques Online Store: Rare 1916-1920 Belt Buckle as Worn by USMC EMs in Haitian Constabulary (Gendarmerie)

This is close. Worn by USMC during occupation, 1916-1920.

 

[bdsawyer]

Wow, great ID with the Haiti suggestion. I will keep looking into it to nail down an era, but looks like it’s close to the one Spats posted.

 

[bdsawyer]

Looking at the lettering again, it does say Repu.... and Hai.... so no doubt about this

 

[bdsawyer]

Thank you everyone for your posts, this had been driving me batty for awhile now

 

[diggummup]

Flying Tiger Antiques Online Store: Rare 1916-1920 Belt Buckle as Worn by USMC EMs in Haitian Constabulary (Gendarmerie)

This is close. Worn by USMC during occupation, 1916-1920.

Just wanted to add some more details from Flying Tiger regarding the buckle...

This is a rare belt buckle as worn by United States Marine Corps enlisted men as members of the Haitian Constabulary (Gendarmerie) circa 1916-1920. The United States occupied Haiti starting in 1915 to safeguard American business interests on the island and remained there long after the Paris Peace Treaty of 1919. The buckle reads Republique D’ Haiti at the top over a pair of cannons.

VINTAGE: Circa 1916-1920

Nice find. Appears to be a rare buckle.

 

[Old Pueblo]

Very rare, most people dont even know we occupied Haiti.

 

[diggummup]

Very rare, most people dont even know we occupied Haiti.

In south Florida, they occupy us.