Brass Federal Eagle Buckle

[Patricia1101]

Hello,
My first post, and what I've already read about CW era buckles on here makes my head spin. Such knowledge.

I have purchased several items from a two-weekend estate sale in Appomattox, VA. This estate included family heirlooms of generations of the same family, all of whom have lived in this house. Every square inch of this tiny house, outbuildings and sheds were filled with historical memorabilia. The most recent deceased was also a CW re-enactor and collector.
Which brings me to this Federal Eagle Buckle.
I am not sure its use.
At first glance, I thought there were no markings on the back because it is so worn.
There are markings, difficult to see even with a magnifying glass. I "think" there is a small eagle head. My grandson said he could make out letters OFC. I have magnified a photo to see if anyone can help.
Also, I just realized there was a mark at the base of the belt front.
It looks like a miniature banner with what I thought was an NC. Using the magnifying glass I think it could be an H or M.
Does any of this sound vaguely familiar?

Also... I don't recall ever seeing these holes on a buckle.

Measurements: 3" wide x 2"
Solid brass
Any help would be much appreciated.
Thank you.

 

[UCVRelics]

Welcome from THE Heart Of Dixie. This is a Model 1874 Eagle plate from the Indian War period, The holes are perplexing.

 

[zburkett]

The holes seem to be drilled after the buckle was cast. Could that have been done for some kind of mounting?

 

[Patricia1101]

Thanks for the warm welcome.
So, is 1874 just a random number or actual year? I ask because I believe the Wounded Knee (battle) ended the Indian Wars in 1890. So this might be a commemorative buckle?

 

[UCVRelics]

1874 was the year that this plate was designed and put into production. This is a actual plate that was used during the Indian War period.

 

[Patricia1101]

The holes seem to be drilled after the buckle was cast. Could that have been done for some kind of mounting?

Wow. That never crossed my mind. You could be right. I just ran my fingers over the holes and they are smooth. Yes, a good word here is "perplexing."

 

[Patricia1101]

Can anyone figure out what is on the back of the buckle?
And what type of buckle is this? Flag? Belt?

 

[UCVRelics]

Its a belt buckle that was on a sword belt. As far as the back markings I will have to look in my books when I get in tonight.

 

[Patricia1101]

Its a belt buckle that was on a sword belt. As far as the back markings I will have to look in my books when I get in tonight.

Thank you SO much.

 

[Package4]

Hello,
My first post, and what I've already read about CW era buckles on here makes my head spin. Such knowledge.
View attachment 164590
View attachment 164592
I have purchased several items from a two-weekend estate sale in Appomattox, VA. This estate included family heirlooms of generations of the same family, all of whom have lived in this house. Every square inch of this tiny house, outbuildings and sheds were filled with historical memorabilia. The most recent deceased was also a CW re-enactor and collector.
Which brings me to this Federal Eagle Buckle.
I am not sure its use.
At first glance, I thought there were no markings on the back because it is so worn.
There are markings, difficult to see even with a magnifying glass. I "think" there is a small eagle head. My grandson said he could make out letters OFC. I have magnified a photo to see if anyone can help.
Also, I just realized there was a mark at the base of the belt front.
It looks like a miniature banner with what I thought was an NC. Using the magnifying glass I think it could be an H or M.
Does any of this sound vaguely familiar?

Also... I don't recall ever seeing these holes on a buckle.

Measurements: 3" wide x 2"
Solid brass
Any help would be much appreciated.
Thank you.

This is an Evans and Hassall die that was first used during the Civil War to make the 1851 pattern officer plate; the initials are E & H and was utilized 1874-1920.

 

[Patricia1101]

This is an Evans and Hassall die that was first used during the Civil War to make the 1851 pattern officer plate; the initials are E & H and was utilized 1874-1920.

Aha! So that's what the little banner is at the bottom.
Thank you so much.
I can't believe all the information I am receiving in such a short period of time.

 

[zburkett]

Patricia 1101, you may find that the great information available on this site can become addictive. At least it has for me. There are some great people here with a truly wide range of information. Welcome.

 

[James N.]

This is what the back should look like on a wartime one; welcome to the forums!

Here's the front also of the one in my collection.

 

[Patricia1101]

View attachment 164621

This is what the back should look like on a wartime one; welcome to the forums!

View attachment 164622

Here's the front also of the one in my collection.

Thank you, and love your quote

 

[Patricia1101]

Patricia 1101, you may find that the great information available on this site can become addictive. At least it has for me. There are some great people here with a truly wide range of information. Welcome.

Thank you.

 

[Patricia1101]

Patricia 1101, you may find that the great information available on this site can become addictive. At least it has for me. There are some great people here with a truly wide range of information. Welcome.

Thank you. It's already addictive. I spent quite a bit of time on here even before I signed up.

 

[mofederal]

It is still a nice sword belt plate, Indian Wars still makes it a good plate and very desirable to people.

 

[JOHN42768]

Your collection now has one down and hundreds to go. Have fun

 

[JohnW.]

Hola and welcome from Harrisburg, PA!!!!

 

[AnnaLee]

Welcome from Appomattox, Va.