Hi Bill,This appears to be an 1839 model buckle with arrow hooks but whether original or a reproduction is uncertain. Can you post pictures of the buckle from the side (laying on its face)? The reason I ask is that from one of your pictures it appears that the solder back is overfilled. I need a better view of the prongs as well, the arrow hook bevel seems off and the tongue looks too thin to me.
I always recommend Harry Ridgeways site for a free reference guide, you can access it here
http://www.relicman.com/plates/zLibraryPlate.390.Fed.Oval.LargeSizeVariants.htm
And fakes here
http://www.relicman.com/fakes/zfakeFed475to534USOval.htm
Thanks, Yes there's a return option, I'll post some better images next week.I believe it to be a reenactment piece due to the thin prong and the lead looks to be a little overfilled for the period. The verdigris doesn't take very long to develop, in fact I have a basement that turns my reenactment buckles, where the leather attaches green, over the winter.
Where did you buy it and is there a return policy? Post more pictures when you receive and it will be easier to make a more definitive conclusion. The prong should be thicker and more rounded with a slight upward turn 3/4s of the way to the end.
I have seen arrow hooks beveled that way on originals and I have seen (rarely) a thin prong, but they almost always have the upward bend.
Hello,
I realize this is probably one the most common CW relics around, and the main thing I know about these things is there's many fakes. opinions welcome..thanks
Hi James,Hi, Karl; since there for some reason seems to be a question, you can compare it with these two of mine I have no doubts
about: https://civilwartalk.com/threads/regulation-union-belt-and-cartridge-box-plates.81279/
View attachment 169257
Package,To illustrate what I mean by a thicker prong please take a look at the following; all three on belts are I'd and original, in fact the top piece belonged to Michael Calligan 59th NY killed close to the Angle during Pickett's Charge. The buckle has his name calligraphied on the rear, his initials and regiment carved into the capbox and belt. Unfortunately it was removed from him prematurely and he lies in the National Cemetery in an unmarked grave. The bottom piece, much like the one in the OP is a reproduction. Also the hooks and prongs should be a more brass than copper color. I would rather identify a reproduction now during the return period than find out past that time.View attachment 169285
View attachment 169284
No problem, it could be right, I just like to see a thicker prong with an upward bend, but even the repros are starting to have the bend. When checking my collection, I just found an early purchase, on a belt and guess what, repro. I had it boxed away for years and took it out to compare and embarrassed to say I was fooled years back, it's on an original belt, but definitely a repop.Package,
Thanks for sharing your knowledge, I'll really need to take a close look at my buckle when I have it.