Posted 9 years ago
camelman187
(1 item)
Found this metal detecting today in Ohio. Cannot find anything on it. May be silver plated? I believe it is made of brass...Any help would be appreciated...
Belt Buckle..Need help identifying... | ||
| MeliG's loves40 of 306 |  |  |
Does a magnet stick to it? The shape of the cross is identical to the shape of the Red Cross logo.
No, magnet does not stick to it. I thought red cross too..But cannot find anything on it.
Look into the history of the area where you found it. Ask at the town hall, perhaps.
Just added the back of the buckle. The cross on back is different.
How odd. The reverse looks like an Maltese cross. The "107" is written in an old fashioned manner.
That's what I thought was odd about the 2 different cross types. It would be hidden when worn. You are right, the 107 is written old fashion.. looks hand carved. Not sure if it means anything though
That iron cross on the inside has me curious.
Iron cross (also known as Maltese cross) originated in Prussia but was adapted by Germany.
Maybe http://www.colescivilwarshop.com can help you identify
The number could be the mold number. Where in Ohio did you find it?
I found it in knox county. Near center of ohio. In woods.
This really has my head spinning. Wondering if it a smoke and mirrors type of thing. Maybe to infiltrate. Make people think person is with red cross but if said wearer was to perish they could identify him or her with the symbol on the inside. LOL like I said, wondering many things on this since I am not able to identify yet.
I really appreciate helping me find out what this buckle is. I tried to research but could not find anything. Would love to know a time period and why it has 2 crosses..I like your interpretation of the crosses :)
MeliG - An Iron Cross is completely different from a Maltese Cross. The Maltese Cross was around centuries before the Iron Cross and has nothing to do with the Third Reich.
Wikipedia:
The Maltese cross, in Italy also known as the Amalfi cross, is the cross symbol associated with the Knights Hospitaller (the Knights of Malta) and by extension with the island of Malta. The cross is eight-pointed and has the form of four "V"-shaped elements, each joining the others at its vertex, leaving the other two tips spread outward symmetrically. Its design is based on crosses used since the First Crusade. It is also the modern symbol of Amalfi, a small Italian republic of the 11th century.
http://www.choppers.com/iron_cross.asp
"The Maltese Cross
The definition of a Maltese Cross is one which conforms to a strict definition ("a cross of made from four straight lined pointed arrowheads, meeting at their points, with the ends of the arms consisting of indented 'v's") is without doubt a Christian symbol. However before examining the use of the cross described as "Maltese", the meaning of the cross needs to be considered.
choppers
The Cross as a Christian Symbol.
The cross is a symbol adopted to remind Christians of our Lord's saving death - and with an empty cross his resurrection! Otherwise it is a quite neutral symbol, often in its form of equal sized arms, used in art due to the symmetry of design. Even as used by Christians, Christian artists have been inspired to produce many variations on the theme. Christian countries used the cross as the main symbol of decorations awarded to those who served the nation.
The Maltese cross, used as an identifying insignia on the habit of the Knights of Malta, was for the purpose of identifying themselves from their enemies. The Knights of Malta, also known as the Knights of St. John or the "hospitialers" was a religious order founded by Amalfitian merchants around the year 1070. The purpose of the order was to aid and care for pilgrims making the journey to the Holy Land. In 1136 the knights became a fully militarized order. The Knights driven out of Syria had been fleeing years of persecution by Islamic forces acquired Malta as their Sovereign Land from Charles V of Spain in 1530. This is the time that the Maltese Cross evolved into the present day form. The cross is described as a white eight pointed cross.
The eight points of the cross are believed to represent the eight vows the knights had to observe:
1) live in truth;
2) have faith;
3) repent of sins;
4) give proof of humility;
5) love justice;
6) be merciful;
7) be sincere and whole hearted;
8) endure persecution.
Although many countries and organizations throughout the world use crosses that are similar if not exact in shape to the Maltese Cross, the fact remains that the Maltese Cross has its own specific purpose and should not be confused with other decorations or medals that have their own purpose."
The Iron Cross
Choppers
The iron cross was originally introduced in 1813 by Kaiser Frederic Wilhelm and designed by Karl Friedrich as a campaign medal award- ed for acts of heroism, bravery and leadership. The original iron cross consisted of a blackened iron core in the shape of the cross patt`ee, surrounded by a two-piece silver frame that is soldered together. The center of the cross has a sprig of three oak leaves, while the upper arm has the cipher FW (Frederic Willhelm) surmounted by the Prussian crown, and the lower arm has 1813 for the year of introduction; the reverse of the medal is plain. The iron cross reintroduced in the Franco Prussian War of 1870 - 1871 and in the First World War 1914 - 1918 differed only slightly from the original. The face of the medal was altered by placing the cipher W in the center of the cross, the Prussian cross on the upper arm and the year of the individual war on the bottom arm. The reverse of the medal was the same as the face of the original iron cross.
Adolf Hitler reintroduced the iron cross for the last time on Sept. 1st, 1939. Once again the decoration of the cross was altered. The cipher W was replaced with the Swastika, and the lower arm the year date 1939, the reverse only has the introduction date 1813 on the lower arm."
Could be fraternal related.
The construction of the buckle is typical of very late 19th/ early 20th century.
scott
Maybe these folks might know something about the buckle. It certainly is intriguing.
http://www.knoxhistory.org/
Good idea..I sent them an email with the pictures...thank you scott, gives me an idea on time period
Agree with scottvez about the date. This buckle may not have anything at all to do with Ohio, as it could have been lost by a stranger who was passing through the state.
I didn't say it was Efie, I said it was also known as. (some people referred to it as like)
LOL, I do not need "schooling" too funny
MeliG > Your comment reads as a "first person" post.
To avoid any confusion, I posted the correct information.
No sorry did not, let it go
So, now we wait. I hope you get an answer.
"MeliG, 58 mins ago
That iron cross on the inside has me curious."
My post was to explain the difference. When someone else is doing research and goes away with the wrong information, that generally leads to a dead end. :-))
Seriously there is something wrong with you Efesgirl. I am so sorry this is on this poor man's thread. Continue and I will consider this harassment. You are incorrect on your summation, end of story.
Meli-- you have the ability to delete comments if you desire.
I am not a fan of huge cut/ pasted comments.
scott
Oh, thank you Scott. I had no idea, appreciate the info very much.
MeliG - You can delete only the comments directly connected to your own items. You cannot delete comments posted on another person's item. If camelman187 choses to delete any comments here, then that is his prerogative.
My interest lies in what he discovers about the belt buckle.
As soon as the historical society emails back, I will post any info they have.
camelman187 - thanks, I am looking forward to hearing what they tell you.
What a very interesting belt buckle you have found!
Sorry Meli-- thought this was your posting!
scott
It's ok Scott. I appreciate you wanting to help. I am sure she was excited to post something else to jab and of course directed the jab in the wrong direction. Anyway definitely looking forward to finding out the history of this buckle :)
Possibly fraternal like Knights of Columbus or similar groups?