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I know this is off track. I think I have determined that this is an M1874 belt plate. But need some help from one more expert than myself. Also, If I clean/shine it up will eliminating the patina reduce its collectability/value similar to stripping/refinishing an old piece of furniture. THANKShttps://www.milsurps.com/images/imported/deleted.gif
Do not clean or polish,that might ruin about 50/70% of the value of the buckle if it is an authenic buckle.
RayP.
Here's the backside. How can one tell if it is authentic?https://www.milsurps.com/images/imported/deleted.gif
I'm at a loss,the more I look at the 2 pcs.,sizes,wear patterns(or lack of)and etc,I'm not 100% sure these are the original mates to each other,or it may just be my eyesight(or lack of it),good pics,just really hard to tell,I've had a few US and CSA buckles down thru the years but i've never been a collector of them but looked thru several books on them,I've never seen that particular buckle before(but that means nothing),need a real collector to jump in here and give his say so.
RayP.
Well, it'as certianly the 74 pattern "square oval" but as to age??????
Lots of reenactors used lots of these buckles, and still do.
The only one of these I can say with certainty as being original was one I found in the attic of the hospital at the Presidio of San Francisco, and only because it was buried under several inches of dust!;)
Looks original. The plates and keepers may or may not match each other as the plates get switched to different belts over the years. Ray
Militia units and state guard outfits also had the M1874. Here is one from New Jersey.