What is this, really?

[zburkett]

I have seen these things called any number of things. Does anyone know what they really are and are they period correct for the Civil War? I've seen them called blanket roll buckles, harness buckle covers and Confederate bed roll buckle. I've seen asking prices from less than a dollar to over one hundred dollars.

 

[tbuckley]

Harness buckle covers.

 

[zburkett]

From what time period?

 

[Drew]

Looks like a decorative waffle iron, but what do I know.

 

[Package4]

They were used for both, when a soldier could get one it was prized as blanket roll, but their primary function was as a harness buckle.

 

[zburkett]

Thanks Package4

 

[winchester]

I have always been told those were post war. The ones with a loop on each end have a patent date of 1879. I think that example came afterwards, but not 100% sure. Love to see the patent date if available.

 

[captaindrew]

I saw one like this, I forget where, but it was used on a improvised bed roll strap. As @Package4 said troops would use discarded harness hardware if they could get their hands on it to secure their bedrolls