OT Help Identify this Buckle

[Jughead]

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. THANKS

Information

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[RayP.]

Do not clean or polish,that might ruin about 50/70% of the value of the buckle if it is an authenic buckle.

RayP.

[Jughead]

Here's the backside. How can one tell if it is authentic?

[RayP.]

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.

[John Sukey (Deceased)]

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!

[rayg]

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

[Tom in N.J.]

Militia units and state guard outfits also had the M1874. Here is one from New Jersey.