US Civil War Buckle

[Rjhughes1300]

What to look for to see if your buckle is original or a reproduction. I appreciate any advice you can share.

 

[JOHN42768]

Welcome, enjoy. I found best bet is to go to a reliable dealer instead of ebay. Like Shiloh relics for one. Many on here can help if you found something you are interested in.

 

[mofederal]

Hello and welcome to the talk forum from Southeast Missouri located on the banks of the muddy Mississippi River.

 

[James N.]

What to look for to see if your buckle is original or a reproduction. I appreciate any advice you can share.

Although I'm sure this wasn't what you were looking for, many for reenactors are clearly marked REPRODUCTION on the prong.
Welcome to the forums!

 

[Rjhughes1300]

Ill send some pics didn't buy it off ebay bought in a shop in New England

 

[Rjhughes1300]

Hello and welcome to the talk forum from Southeast Missouri located on the banks of the muddy Mississippi River.

thank you

 

[Rjhughes1300]

Although I'm sure this wasn't what you were looking for, many for reenactors are clearly marked REPRODUCTION on the prong.
Welcome to the forums!

I don't see anything that says reproduction

 

[zburkett]

For years, with a little study, you could learn to spot them. Now they have become valuable enough to have good quality fakes made and there are those that will do it. The first thing you need to do if study what the real buckle looks like. There you will learn more from the back than from the front. Was the original solid cast brass or lead filled stamped brass? Were the attachment hooks wire or sheet brass? If it is a lead filled buckle a lot of reproductions will be over filled. Cast reproductions will be slightly under sized so learn the exact correct size. Then you have to decide how "original" does it have to be? Many of best shape buckles were sold by Bannerman's who bought up Civil War surplus and sold it well into the 20th century. Often to veterans for reunions. Some of them are "original" but were not used during the war. Do you care? Bannerman also had the dies so they started manufacturing buckles and other artifacts from the original machinery. If you want the buckle for display you may find a good selection of dug buckles at a Civil War show and if you spend time you will learn to spot the honest dealers. I have seen honest dealers that were actually unaware that they had a reproduction and there are plenty with "the story I got with this buckle is..." That ranks up there with "the checks in the mail." The answer is study originals, read the research books on both originals and reproductions, then cross you fingers and pray.

 

[zburkett]

I just say you post that you didn't see "reproduction." If you have a specific buckle in mind, what is it? Can you post a photo, some of the experts on the forum might be able to help.

 

[James N.]

I don't see anything that says reproduction

No - it isn't on that one, but I'm still a little suspicious of it and hope more qualified members than I am will comment on it.

 

[Rjhughes1300]

For years, with a little study, you could learn to spot them. Now they have become valuable enough to have good quality fakes made and there are those that will do it. The first thing you need to do if study what the real buckle looks like. There you will learn more from the back than from the front. Was the original solid cast brass or lead filled stamped brass? Were the attachment hooks wire or sheet brass? If it is a lead filled buckle a lot of reproductions will be over filled. Cast reproductions will be slightly under sized so learn the exact correct size. Then you have to decide how "original" does it have to be? Many of best shape buckles were sold by Bannerman's who bought up Civil War surplus and sold it well into the 20th century. Often to veterans for reunions. Some of them are "original" but were not used during the war. Do you care? Bannerman also had the dies so they started manufacturing buckles and other artifacts from the original machinery. If you want the buckle for display you may find a good selection of dug buckles at a Civil War show and if you spend time you will learn to spot the honest dealers. I have seen honest dealers that were actually unaware that they had a reproduction and there are plenty with "the story I got with this buckle is..." That ranks up there with "the checks in the mail." The answer is study originals, read the research books on both originals and reproductions, then cross you fingers and pray.

Thanks for the advice I have a collection but none of the real things which I am able to start collecting now. Good advice thanks

 

[Rjhughes1300]

I just say you post that you didn't see "reproduction." If you have a specific buckle in mind, what is it? Can you post a photo, some of the experts on the forum might be able to help.

it should be up top

 

[Rjhughes1300]

No - it isn't on that one, but I'm still a little suspicious of it and hope more qualified members than I am will comment on it.

thank you

 

[James N.]

This link is to the few in my collection you might want to compare yours with: https://civilwartalk.com/threads/regulation-union-belt-and-cartridge-box-plates.81279/

 

[Rjhughes1300]

This link is to the few in my collection you might want to compare yours with: https://civilwartalk.com/threads/regulation-union-belt-and-cartridge-box-plates.81279/

This one and your first one have a lot in common except for the dents on the US

 

[UCVRelics]

Here are 2 great books you can get on CW plates. I have always told folks on the US plates stay with the puppy paw backs and ones with makers marks and you can't go wrong.

 

[zburkett]

That looks like a really nice buckle but I could be easily fooled. To me, the arrow backs may be a little too sharp.

 

[UCVRelics]

@zburkett is correct. Here is an original does yours have the beveled edges on the hooks as this one.

 

[captaindrew]

Welcome to the forum @Rjhughes1300 from South Florida and the Reenactors forum

 

[Rjhughes1300]

That looks like a really nice buckle but I could be easily fooled. To me, the arrow backs may be a little too sharp.

@zburkett is correct. Here is an original does yours have the beveled edges on the hooks as this one.
View attachment 260761

do you think it could be made right after with the same molds or a lot newer