Maryland Buckle

[Patricia1101]

Hello from Virginia
Recently purchased this buckle from an estate. I could be completely off base, but I believe this is the Maryland Shield and military?
I have no idea what the numbers are for as well as the H H
Perhaps if I could read what's on the banner it would help.
Any direction is appreciated. Thank you.

 

[major bill]

Interesting belt buckle. I am not sure it is military.

 

[captaindrew]

That is a nice buckle. Doesn't look Civil War era, looks more modern to me but I'll wait to see what the experts say. @ucvrelics is the buckle man and @Package4 can tell you about the Maryland department.

 

[Package4]

Hello from Virginia
Recently purchased this buckle from an estate. I could be completely off base, but I believe this is the Maryland Shield and military?
I have no idea what the numbers are for as well as the H H
Perhaps if I could read what's on the banner it would help.
Any direction is appreciated. Thank you.
View attachment 423617View attachment 423618View attachment 423619View attachment 423617View attachment 423618View attachment 423619

The seal on the plate is post Civil War, since there is a crown on the shield in lieu of an eagle. Most likely a University of Maryland cadet buckle. Very nice and rare piece.

 

[major bill]

Anyone got anything for the "H H"?

 

[UCVRelics]

@Package4 is spot on and I would say the HH is the owners initials and he graduated in 1932.

 

[Patricia1101]

The seal on the plate is post Civil War, since there is a crown on the shield in lieu of an eagle. Most likely a University of Maryland cadet buckle. Very nice and rare piece.

Well that is good to know about the crown vs eagle. I did a google search and google image search and came up with nothing even close so it must be rare. Sometimes I wonder why I purchase these items, but curiosity always gets me lol
Do you think the MD historical society or UMd would be of any help? Thanks so much for your information.

 

[Patricia1101]

@Package4 is spot on and I would say the HH is the owners initials and he graduated in 1932.

"spot on" that it is a cadet buckle? Class year makes sense. I'd say they would have had some $$ to get their "own" belt with initials. Thanks for your input. Step by step....

 

[UCVRelics]

"spot on" that it is a cadet buckle? Class year makes sense. I'd say they would have had some $$ to get their "own" belt with initials. Thanks for your input. Step by step....

The letters and number are applied and not cast with the buckle so it would not have been that much cost.

 

[Package4]

Well that is good to know about the crown vs eagle. I did a google search and google image search and came up with nothing even close so it must be rare. Sometimes I wonder why I purchase these items, but curiosity always gets me lol
Do you think the MD historical society or UMd would be of any help? Thanks so much for your information.

Yes, it certainly couldn't hurt, The MD Historical Society has changed their name and the board has taken them in a very non historical direction. A former board member refers to them as the "Society of What's Happening Now".

 

[Patricia1101]

The letters and number are applied and not cast with the buckle so it would not have been that much cost.

That makes sense. Thank you.

 

[Patricia1101]

Yes, it certainly couldn't hurt, The MD Historical Society has changed their name and the board has taken them in a very non historical direction. A former board member refers to them as the "Society of What's Happening Now".

Well, that makes no sense to me. Are we trying to erase our history? I recently purchased 6 journals from an estate in VA that the heirs did not want. I went to our historical and genealogical society to look up some information and the first thing they wanted to know was would I donate them. I was happy to allow them copies. There is so much that we can learn from our history and I simply don't understand the lack of interest and/or removal. Perhaps it's cuz I'm old lol Thanks for that information. I have a funny feeling that I'll be contacting them and I'll see if I can get some educated response.

 

[Package4]

Well, that makes no sense to me. Are we trying to erase our history? I recently purchased 6 journals from an estate in VA that the heirs did not want. I went to our historical and genealogical society to look up some information and the first thing they wanted to know was would I donate them. I was happy to allow them copies. There is so much that we can learn from our history and I simply don't understand the lack of interest and/or removal. Perhaps it's cuz I'm old lol Thanks for that information. I have a funny feeling that I'll be contacting them and I'll see if I can get some educated response.

Please let us know the outcome!

 

[Patricia1101]

Please let us know the outcome!

I most certainly will. I hope to call MD Historical Society next week.

 

[Patricia1101]

Update: Just spoke with two librarians at the Maryland Historical Society. Very nice people. I sent them an email with photos of the buckle and all the family information that I have. It might take a few months for a response because it will end up at the museum department. Will keep you posted.

 

[Patricia1101]

UPDATE: I called and wrote to the MD Historical Society in December and received no response back.
Interesting that I saw a similar (possibly identical) buckle and belt listed on Etsy. Title: US Antique 19 Century Pre WW1 Military Leather Belt & Buckle
So, I decided to do more research and came up with this... I took a shot and searched for Maryland 32 Regiment....
"
CONFEDERATE VIRGINIA TROOPS[/H1]
32nd Regiment, Virginia Infantry[/H2]
OVERVIEW:32nd Infantry Regiment was formed in May, 1861, by consolidating Montague's and Goggin's Infantry Battalions. Its members were from Hampton and Williamsburg and the counties of Warwick, James City, and York. Three companies were accepted into service as artillery and were transferred to the 1st Virginia Artillery."
Also it is possible that the H refers to HOOD. (The aforementioned buckle on Etsy had the H H, but no regiment).

"

Regiment: 32 (Hood's), Maryland Militia

" that's a MD site.
Lastly, wikipedia notes a

John Bell Hood

and General in Civil War.

Now, you are all far more informed about all of this than I, but I thought you might be able to shed more light on this (or if I'm crazy).

Also found https://catalog.archives.gov/id/71822076 32nd War of 1812
Thanks

 

[bobinwmass]

Style of back of buckle shows it to be well after Civil War, maybe even into 1900's.

 

[Cornpone and Molasses]

Interesting belt plate.

 

[Patricia1101]

Style of back of buckle shows it to be well after Civil War, maybe even into 1900's.

I honestly have no idea. Perhaps the etsy listing is correct.... prior to WWI.
I am attaching a photo. I wish she had more information. When I list an item, I really prefer to list information with it.
Thanks for your feedback.

 

[Patricia1101]

Interesting belt plate.

Yes, it is, and I wish I had more time to go down the rabbit hole with this.