The Harvard (College) Cadets Buckle, ca. 1861
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Item: The Harvard (College) Cadets Buckle, ca. 1861
Construction: Gilt cast brass with integral belt hooks.
Design: Raised spread wing eagle with raised letters "H" & "C".
Condition: Excellent, non-excavated. Overall, this solid buckle has a dull yellow gold gilt patina. There are a couple small age spots just below the eagle at the rim. Both belt attachment hooks are present. Note the file marks on the left edge of the buckle in the lateral view in the additional images. There are no cracks or repairs.
Approximate size: 52 x 83 mm.
Reference: An example of this buckle is described and pictured in:
- "American Military Belt Plates" by O'Donnell and Campbell on page 354 as plate 579.
- "Plates and Buckles of the American Military 1795-1874", by Sydney C. Kerksis on page 247.
(Note: It appears that the same example was pictured in both reference books initially published 22 years apart with Kerksis publishing first)
Comments: According to O'Donnell and Campbell, "A Civil War period photograph shows an officer of the Harvard Cadets wearing a plate of this design. The cadets began as a student drill club before the war. Following the outbreak of hostilities, they were called into service as a state home guard unit. Their primary responsibility was the nearby Cambridge Arsenal. It appears that the Cadets were disbanded in 1865.
This rare Harvard Cadet buckle will be an excellent addition to any excavated Civil War plate or general relic collection.
- Product Code:
- PC3763
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