This looks to be authentic to me. The lead fill looks right, it has the right, thicker style and upturned tongue and arrow hooks. I would say you have an authentic 1839 belt plate. Very nice piece.
This is my one of my first buckles. I loved the look and feel about. But the thickness troubled me! Thank you for your opinions! Greatly appreciated!
Package, what would be a good reference book for plates etc.? I know the best is experience and holding plate after plate etc.... I have passed up many at shows and antique stores, because I wasn't willing to take a chance on it being fake and paying retail!! With this one I got it for a song and it really felt good to me! What's you advice!? When ever I see a any thing period I always ask to at least hold to get some experience handling "original " items your advice? JamesN if your still on this thread please chime in as well!!
American Military Belt Plates by O'Donnell & Campbell if I had to buy just one.
I acquired most of my collection at gun shows and a particular trustworthy antique gun shop before reproductions were common, reenacting was still somewhat in the future, and the only things worth faking (so as to fool somebody) were Confederate items. I see dug examples frequently but aren't tempted by them because I already have the few regulation examples I want: https://civilwartalk.com/threads/regulation-union-belt-and-cartridge-box-plates.81279/
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