Posted 12 years ago
Kollector
(106 items)
I FOUND THIS BELT BUCKLE NEAR SAN ANTONIO TX. THERE HAVE MANY BATTLES AROUND SAN ANTONIO. IT WAS FOUND WITH A METAL DETECTOR . VERY LITTLE CORROSION AS IT WAS FOUND IN SAND.
IT COULD BE CIVIL WAR ERA BUT NO WAY TO CONFIRM AGE. ONE LARGE TANG ON REVERSE.
WILL KEEP LOOKING.
That's the Model 1872 enlisted man's belt plate. Nice Indian Wars/Spanish American Wars Item.
Interesting condition for a dig find.
Great find! Awesome piece of American history! Super cool find. how far down was it?
Its all about soil condition, Sand doesn't hold much moisture.
I'v seen some items dug up in Europe from WWII that are in fantastic conditon!
The condition does not suprise me at all. I live about 60 miles from the Alamo and have been metal detecting in this area for a very long time. Brass items tend to deteriorate slowly around here, especially thick items like that buckle. Also, it must be kept in mind that an item that dates from a certain period may have been lost many years later. The item could date from 1860 but lost in 1960, for whatever reason.
Find was about 3 yrs ago if i remember it was about 8 inches deep. one side is corroded other side cleaned up good. Visited other sites for information . Did not find the other part. Area is a relatives 44 acre plot. brush and weeds hard to work around. Only go during cool weather. Recently was made aware that a battle site is nearby. They will be clearing for planting sometime. Atascosa co. Tx.
About 9 years ago found a small single shot muzzle loader pistol , very rusty so I put in a solution called OSPHO. I forgot about and there was not much of it left.
Recently found a small dime size button, same area,looked like pewter , 4 holes with a ridge around the perimeter. I have misplaced/lost it!!!!
Atascosa co. Tx., not real scenic, and that explains your sand comment. The brush in that area can be awful, Mesquite, Cat Claw, Mouse Ear Cactus, etc. and lets not forget the rattlesnakes. Be careful, as we want to see more of your finds!!!!
Chris got it-- NOT Civil War era.
These were FIRST used in the Indian Wars and continued to the turn of the century. Photographic evidence shows SAW soldiers wearing them as well.
scott
Well that figures. Probably could date back to the Mexican-American war. There was a lot of military in this area in those days. Thanks for the update.
Happy Hunting.
How could it date to the 1840s (Mexican American War) when these weren't made until the 1870s?
scott
Hi scott
I have searched thru the internet sites and have not found one like mine Except on EBAY where a person is advertising "Solid Brass Civil War Belt Buckle REPRODUCTION U.S. Military 2 Pc Brass Buckle " that looks like the one I have.
He sells these for 16.95. He has sold 59 excellent feedback and there is no negative feedback about fake buckles. His ad indicates 4 left. Is he scamming customers. This is my only source of info. I have looked at 100s of military buckles and do not see one like the one I have. Do you have a site I could go to.
I will contact the seller on ebay and see what he has to say.
Regards
Here is an ebay one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/USA-INDIAN-WARS-SPANISH-AMERICAN-WAR-US-ARMY-BELT-BUCKLE-GUARANTEED-ORIGINAL-/121153807672?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c35546538&nma=true&si=ryqaO%252FHHq81aqolGczqw9h0Q%252FB4%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557#ht_666wt_1018
Here is a worthpoint example (sold through Cowan):
http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/lot-two-m1872-belts-and-buckles
scott
Hi Scott
Excellent reply and information.Thank You VERY Much. I visited both sites and am convinced . I will make a favorite of Worthpoint site as it covers so much. This info is good to know.
Best Regards
Ben
It depends on WHERE the worthpoint information comes from. Wes Cowan Auction has a very good reputation.
I don't know how the worthpoint info is checked to ensure accuracey. A lot of it comes from ebay and many ebay items are poorly/ incorrectly described since it is a "do it yourself" auction instead of an established auction house (with expertise) describing the item.
scott
Worthpoint data is exactly like this site except they charge for it. Volunteers and eBay data. I had an account there and it was worthless. Cowan's is a totally different ball game.
Thanks for the insight on worthpoint. I have never been a member-- most of the information is readily available FOR FREE through online searches.
scott