US Belt Buckle with Flat Bottom "U" & Leather Patch

SOLD

Item: Excavated US oval waist belt plate.
Construction: Stamped thin sheet brass with raised letters "US".  Rear with solder fill, leather patch, and stud type attachment hooks.
Condition: Good, excavated. Its brass front has an even deep brown patina.  The rear solder appears complete and its leather patch is still attached which shows shrinkage from age.  The single hook opposite the two studs is missing and may explain why this plate was tossed.  Other than very minor period dings the buckle still retains its original body curve. It has no cracks, bends, repairs or other breaks.
Comments: Rarely are plates recovered with its leather patch which was to prevent the solder from staining its buff leather belt.  A plate with the flat bottom "U", along with its leather patch, is even a rarer find.  According to O'Donnell and Campbell's "American Military Belt Plates" reference book, plates with the flat bottom "U", due to their recovery location where Massachusetts troops have been present, have been positively associated with 15th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment.  An example of this type plate can be found in the above mentioned book on page 305, plate 489.  The flat bottom "U" design is seldom encountered and this buckle will be an excellent addition to any excavated Civil War plate or general relic collection.
Recovered: Unknown
Approximate size:  57 x 87 mm.


Product Code:
PC6093

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