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4. Civil War "Snake" Buckle - British Import

Civil War "Snake" Buckle - British Import

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Item: Civil War "Snake" Buckle - British Import 
Construction: Cast brass. 
Condition: Good, excavated. The buckle consists of a figure eight snake with two belt loops. It has an overall deep green patina with varying lighter shades of green. The snake is in good form however the connecting belt loops do not match in size. The larger belt loop is bent from period usage and one end has separated from where it joins the area of the smaller snake connecting loop. The shorter belt loop is in overall good form and has a fairly close patina match to the other belt loop with snake. The three parts to this buckle are solid with no cracks or repairs. 
Recovered: Unknown.
Approximate size: 84 mm overall length; 61 mm small loop height & 71 mm large loop height.
Reference: A similar snake buckle is pictured and described in the following reference book:

• "Confederate General Service Accoutrement Plates" by Lon W. Keim, M.D., page 296, Figure 494.

See above page in additional images.

Comments: While these buckles saw use by both Federal and Confederate troops, according to the reference book, "Plates and Buckles of the American Military 1795 - 1874" by Sydney C. Kerksis, on page 441, regarding this style belt plate, "Among the many other military items run through the blockade during the Civil War, for use by the Confederate armed forces were a fair number of English service waist belts."

Also, according to the reference book by Lon W. Keim mentioned above regarding this particular style snake, the author writes "Rare specimen with face and reverse cast to represent appearance of actual snake." See side by side comparison this plate and the one in the book in the last image. The snake buckle offered here was acquired directly from the family of the digger, a lifelong Virginia relic hunter. It will be an excellent addition to any excavated Civil War buckle, plate or general relic collection.

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Product Code:

PC12341

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Price:

$350.00

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This brand is available for:

BUCKLES , NEW ITEMS , ALL PLATES , CONFEDERATE RELICS , FEDERAL RELICS