Relics of the American West: 1850-1920
Lot 2197:
Description
As a seasoned militaria specialist, I recognize this as a classic “dug” example of a mid-19th-century two-piece snake pattern belt buckle, a design famously utilized by both Union and Confederate forces during the American Civil War. Cast from a copper alloy, likely brass or bronze, the central “S” hook features stylized snake-head terminals that interlock with two simple ovular loops. These buckles were prized for their reliability and are a staple of military artifact collecting. This piece exhibits a heavy, authentic green “desert” patina consistent with long-term burial in soil, with significant encrustation and oxidation throughout. There is also notable iron-heavy corrosion on the outer edges of the loops where the original leather belt would have attached, likely from degraded iron rivets. The item shows significant environmental wear and pitting across all surfaces. H 2.5″, W 3.5″, D 0.5″. Please see photos for condition.
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