US Belt Plate - Partially Marked "W. H. WILKINSON SPRINGIELD, MASS." & "T. J. SHEPPARD"

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Item: US Belt Plate - Partially Marked "W. H. WILKINSON SPRINGIELD, MASS." & "T. J. SHEPPARD"
Construction: Stamped thin sheet brass, with raised stamped letters "US", rear with solder fill and arrow type attachment hooks.
Condition: Very good, excavated. Its brass front, with the letters "US", has a very pleasing chocolate brown patina and is as nice as a front can be. The rim is complete with no issues. The rear has a near complete complement of solder that has a moderately pebbled surface. All three belt attachment hooks are securely imbedded in the sub-standard solder fill which was used by this particular manufacturer. A portion of the manufacturer's and inspector's markings are visible on the rear which is that of "W. H. WILKINSON SPRINGIELD, MASS." & "T. J. SHEPPARD" (see additional images). There is a very slight wave primarily only visible from the bottom side view and likely a result of period use. The buckle has no cracks, breaks, repairs, or major bends.
Approximate size: 56 x 88 mm.
Comments:  The Wilkinson mark is a rarely encountered especially on buckles and even more so on cartridge box plates. Though this particular mark is only partially present, it is definitely that of Wilkinson and inspector Sheppard. The majority of buckles recovered do not have any stampings on the rear, making those that are stamped, a rarity. Of the handful of manufacturers who stamped their plates, the Wilkinson stamp found on a buckle rates a solid 8 on a scale of 1-10 with 10 the rarest. This marked buckle, with its absolutely gorgeous front, will be an excellent addition to any excavated Civil War buckle, plate, or general relic collection.


Product Code:
PC2705

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