Posted 5 years ago
Casean
(1 item)
Before you start with “those are reproduced” I happen to know that they are not. My dad was wiring an old knob-and-tube house back in the early 70’s and he found these, plus 4 others, wrapped in cheesecloth in the wall. The homeowner paid part of his fee with these (Dad got a lot of antiques this way, much to my Mom’s disapproval... can’t pay the electric bill with a 1918 refrigerator) He put them in a frame and they have been on our fireplace mantle at least since I was 4... and I am 46. I have a picture to prove it.
Sorry but these have all of the indications of reproductions: same star pattern and glob pin solder with poorly constructed pin back.
These type of reproductions were popular in the 1960s-- about the time that the fantasy belt buckles were first made.
scott
So how does one authenticate? Why would someone wrap these in cheesecloth and hide them inside a wall?
Metal detecting I have found fake Civil War items buried in the ground where someone had been trying to age them. I agree these look to be reproductions.
I can't speak to the why-- but I will say that I have heard the same story several times myself in relation to other items.
Research/ recognized expert opinions are the usual avenues to authenticate items.
A quick search online shows many other examples:
https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS703US703&q=abilene+kansas+deputy+marshal+badges&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiQ6MC9pfLnAhX6CjQIHW54AusQsAR6BAgKEAE&biw=1366&bih=657
Including one on CW:
https://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/15422-antique-vintage-very-old-no-remake-us
scott