Featured Civil War Belt Buckles? Genuine or Reproduction?

Hey Everyone,

I found these two belt buckles at a trash sale in my town. They were labelled as old belt buckles and did not cost much at all. I might be Australian but I know a civil war belt buckle when I see one I have a few American clocks from the same time period and am always looking for things to display with them, so whether these buckles are real or reproductions I am not too fussed.

The US oval buckle is quite weighty and the CS oval buckle seems to be homemade with a hammered piece of copper and lead soldering on the back. I am unsure if this was a common practice of the time or not. I am no buckle expert so as always any new knowledge is always appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

Asked some CW relic-knowledgeable people to take a look, and will report back. First one who saw them didn't see any fakery but he admits he's no expert.

 

Hey Spring, thank-you so much for doing that. It really is appreciated. These kinds of items are not so common down under, so I was very happy to see them.

 

Now those look old to me---One Yankee and the other Rebel.

 

From what I've seen on the Antiques Roadshow, the go-to guy there is Rafael Eledge.... the Civil War era and before is his specialty!!

Email is: rafael@shilohrelics.com

Website is: http://shilohrelics.com/

I'd send him your images as well and see what he also says.....he might also give you a value estimate......if authenticate!! Best of luck!!!!

 

Thanks Mate. I have emailed him and will let you know if I hear anything back from him. Thanks again for the advice.

 

Wonderful wonderful find..I think they are good..amazing find

 

The CS one could be worth in the 4 figures of US dollars.

 

US is cartridge box CS belt

 

I see spelter

 

They both look dug, but whether dug up from a battlefield or some Chinese guy's back yard...no idea. Given the prices realized by Confederate buckles, it can be worth someone's while to fake them.

 

http://www.relicman.com/fakes/zfakeCon136to139CSOvalEgg.htm

not sure anymore

 

Oh boy, that is absolutely correct, i've heard it mentioned by more than one civil war collector that upwards of 80% of confederate objects floating around are fake so, the odds are not good. Still, there is a chance, nothing beat a try but failure.

 

I agree..I would have taken the chance

 

Did you get an answer on this?

 

I am guessing not authentic or OP would have posted.

 

yes..I think you are probably correct..pity

 

Hey Bob,

I've posted on Civil War forums and other places too, most agree that the US Cartridge Box Badge is genuine and say that the CS one looks good too....but they say just based on how rare the CS one is it would be very hard to say it is genuine. I am still looking for someone in Melbourne Australia who can authenticate Civil War items....but is it not an easy task down under haha.

 

Yeah, i imagine it would be a bit tough! GOOD LUCK!

 

Thank you for the update..hope it works out well!