Massachusetts Buckle

[Rickhook]

Hi - I recently acquired this Massachusetts buckle. I believe it to be a Cavalry saber buckle but have not seen one online so far that is exactly the same. I'm looking for any more info on it as well as trying to find out a value on it. I would appreciate any input anyone has or suggestions on where I might go to learn more about it.

 

[Package4]

Hi - I recently acquired this Massachusetts buckle. I believe it to be a Cavalry saber buckle but have not seen one online so far that is exactly the same. I'm looking for any more info on it as well as trying to find out a value on it. I would appreciate any input anyone has or suggestions on where I might go to learn more about it.

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Looks to be a 20th century novelty piece, the crossed muskets would certainly date this well post Civil War, as does the rear attachment. Maybe @bobinwmass can add more.

 

[UCVRelics]

I agree with @Package4, a Mass CW period plate would have a back and front like this one.

 

[Package4]

Hi - I recently acquired this Massachusetts buckle. I believe it to be a Cavalry saber buckle but have not seen one online so far that is exactly the same. I'm looking for any more info on it as well as trying to find out a value on it. I would appreciate any input anyone has or suggestions on where I might go to learn more about it.

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Might the initials on the obverse resale to a University in lieu of an individual. The buckle might be for a cadet or university rifle team.

 

[bobinwmass]

I agree with the above statements, a post Civil War buckle for an infantry unit. Some of these in the late 1800's had specific company letters cast into the face also. A similar buckle was also made for cavalry units, those had crossed sabers instead of rifles in the background.

 

[Rickhook]

Looks to be a 20th century novelty piece, the crossed muskets would certainly date this well post Civil War, as does the rear attachment. Maybe @bobinwmass can add more.

Thanks!

 

[Rickhook]

I agree with the above statements, a post Civil War buckle for an infantry unit. Some of these in the late 1800's had specific company letters cast into the face also. A similar buckle was also made for cavalry units, those had crossed sabers instead of rifles in the background.

Thanks

 

[Rickhook]

Might the initials on the obverse resale to a University in lieu of an individual. The buckle might be for a cadet or university rifle team.

Thanks

 

[bobinwmass]

I'm home now with access to the reference books (was at work before). According to "American Military Belt Plates" by Michael J. O'Donnell and J. Duncan Campbell, the belt plate dates circa 1880-1900 and was used by the enlisted infantry on leather belts for garrison or dress duty. Mills woven cartridge belts with H-plates were worn in the field.

 

[Package4]

I'm home now with access to the reference books (was at work before). According to "American Military Belt Plates" by Michael J. O'Donnell and J. Duncan Campbell, the belt plate dates circa 1880-1900 and was used by the enlisted infantry on leather belts for garrison or dress duty. Mills woven cartridge belts with H-plates were worn in the field.

What page, I looked and must have missed it…..

 

[bobinwmass]

What page, I looked and must have missed it…..

Back at work now but page 420 or 421 sounds about right.

 

[Copperhead-mi]

What page, I looked and must have missed it…..

Plate 701

 

[Package4]

Plate 701

Thank you!

 

[Copperhead-mi]

Thank you!

You're welcome.

 

[bobinwmass]

Yes, plate 701 on page 420. Plate 702 on page 421 shows the same style with "Co C" cast into the face. Plate 703 on page 421 shows the cavalry version with crossed sabers and "Co B".