Fakes, reproductions, replicas, an investigative report, by Harry Ridgeway

Fakes, reproductions, replicas,
CSA rectangle buckles, Virginia style, Confederate plates 102 to 109

Disclaimer:  by clicking onto this page you are expressly accepting the terms of the disclaimer explained fully on the fakes main page.

Virginia style CSA is noted for the rounded shape of the letters, buckle is solid sand cast, often the castings are thin hooks were cast straight out, and the impression can be seen on the face from beating the hooks down.

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FP1490

CSA rectangle belt plate, "Virginia" style

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F1225     Virginia style CSA manufactured by Tim Parsley
 
Plate measures 45.7mm to 46.0mm (plate not square) X 67.6mm

Editor note: Plate was obtained directly from Tim Parsley as a sample of his production to be used in this presentation. 

F1054    Virginia style CSA manufactured by Hanover Brass
   
"This reproduction CSA Virginia style plate was cast from an original. This was a popular type used during the Civil War. This auction includes 7 Cast I (Infantry) uniform coat buttons also reproduction and sand cast in red brass and hand finished by Hanover Bras Foundry. Buckle also cast in red brass for a matched set. Wearable or wonderful Collection Display."

Source: ebay auction by jaglady00 4/21/06 "1861-1865 Virginia CSA Belt Buckle Plate includes 7 Cast Infantry buttons Item number: 6622556752"

Editor note: "jaglady00" is Hanover Brass, items sold as reproductions.  Notice that they are also peddling cast I buttons. 

F1064     Virginia style CSA rectangle
 
"I HAVE HAD THIS BEAUTIFUL NON-DUG CSA RECTANGLE PLATE IN MY PERSONAL COLLECTION FOR MANY YEARS. IT WAS ALSO DISPLAYED IN A CIVIL WAR MUSEUM COLLECTION FOR THE LAST 12 YEARS.IT IS THE "VIRGINIA" STYLE.IT HAS A GREAT AGE PATINA. IT IS VERY CRUDE CAST, AND THE BACK IS ESPECIALLY CRUDE AND 'UNFINISHED'.FACE IS ACTUALLY VERY PRETTY, WITH CASTING FLAWS ON THE RIM.THERE ARE FOUR OR FIVE ' BUMPS'WHERE THE HOOKS WERE HAMMERED DOWN AFTER THE PLATE WAS FINISHED, WHICH RAISED THE BRASS ON THE FACE JUST A TAD!(SEE REFERENCE TO THIS IN MULLINAX'S BOOK). IT IS APPROX. 47 X 67 MM, IF I AM MEASURING CORRECTLY, MAKING IT ONE OF THE SMALLER RECTANGLES. THE BACK HAS THREE OF THE SHORTER VERSION HOOKS, INSTEAD OF THE LONGER, THINNER, MORE SHARP POINTED ONES. (AGAIN, REFER TO MULLINAX'S BOOK). THE BACK HAS A GRAINY LOOK, AND IS VERY CRUDELY HAND FILED. JUST A SUPER NICE PLATE!"
Source: ebay auction by jhmorgan, 4/29/06 "ORIGINAL CONFEDERATE C.S.A. NON- DUG BELT BUCKLE Item number: 6625099687"

Editor note:  I note that the seller is a respected dealer but I respectfully disagree with the explanation of this plate, there are no examples in the Mullinax book even close to this plate.  This plate is significantly smaller than the original, the fat round hooks are not typical of any of the known authentic patterns, the back has been worked and smoothed considerably.  It may have been cast from an original, but the maker would not have been able to make an exact copy of the back because of the presence of the hooks and therefore had to rework the back, this is why the back is not grainy, but instead shows significant signs of having been been smoothed and worked.  I have also received information that this is typical of patterns made by Herbert Parsley, a sutler, although I am unable to verify this.

F1105      Virginia style CSA rectangle

Plate measures 46.1 to 46.7 (edge is uneven) length 68.7

Editor note, the owner of this plate brought this to me for examination.  I do not believe this can be shown to be authentic.  Any other opinions or comments are solicited.

F1207     Virginia style CSA rectangle

"Please send me an offer. At auction is an original dug CSA Atlanta Arsenal style Confederate brass belt plate from the Civil War period. Dug on private property in Knoxville, Tennessee. Beautiful brown patina. Approximately 70mm wide. Correct hooks on the back. Sand cast brass. The letters are cast thicker on this style. Irregular periods. Reference Mullinax expanded edition, page 65, plate 109. Authentic belt plate from the Civil War. Winning bidder has a 7 day inspection period. Guaranteed original. A great addition to your collection. Please email me with any questions before you bid.

ISALEFORYOU is a consignment business bringing our customer's antiques to the internet. Please check back often!

Shipping & handling to the USA is $6 well packed. I accept money order, personal check, or cashier's check. No Paypal. Insurance is required for $1.50 Ask all of your questions before you buy. Thank you for your patronage."

Source: ebay auction by isaleforyou ( private ) 10/5/06: "Original CSA Atlanta Arsenal Belt Plate Confederate 100% Authentic Relic Low Reserve Excellent Condition Item number: 200032302496"

Editor note:  This seller sells on ebay auction under "Private Auction".   It is highly doubtful this piece can be shown to be authentic.

F1212      Virginia style CSA rectangle

Plate measures 48.3mm X 68.9mm.

Editor note:  This plate was submitted to me for evaluation and rejected.  The current owner got this plate from a shop in Southport, North Carolina, this plate was part of a deal with other questionable plates.  I do not know who made this plate but believe it is a repro, based on examination of the details of it.

F1246      CSA rectangle buckle
 
"AUCTION IS FOR A AUTHENTIC SHILOH DUG CONFEDERATE ATLANTA ARSENAL BUCKLE PLATE. THIS IS A A PRETTY TOUGH PLATE TO CALL, AS THERE ARE SOM MANY VARIANTIONS OF THIS TYPE PLATE. I KNOW ITS ATALANT ARSENAL AND YOU CAN REFERENCE THIS PLATE TO THE MULLINAX BOOK OF CONFEDERATE BUCKLES, THIS PLATE WAS DUG BY THE ORIGINAL OWNER ALONG WITH A FEW OTHERS IN THE EARLY 1980'S NEAR THE SHILOH BATTLEFIELDS ON RIVATE PROPERTY ON A ENCAMPMENT SITE. THIS PLATE MEASURES @ 47MM X 69MM IN SIZE AND HAS THE IRREGUKAR BORDERS. NICE HEAVY PATINA, ALL THREE PRONGS ON BACK ARE PRESENT. PLEASE EMAIL WITH ANY AND ALL QUESTIONS BEFORE BIDDING. 3 DAY SATISFACTION GUARANTEE INSPECTION PERIOD ALLOWED. US SHIPPING WILL BE $6.00, THANKS FOR LOOKING AND GOOD LUCK"

Source: auction by vintage_comics_and_collectibles 11/15/06: AUTHENTIC SHILOH DUG CONFEDERATE ATLANTA ARSENAL BUCKLE 100% GUARANTEEN GENUINE DUG RELIC RECTANGLE PLATE Item number: 250047373128"

Editor note:  This seller sells on ebay auction under "Private Auction" .    It is highly doubtful this piece can be shown to be authentic.

F1455      CSA rectangle buckle, manufactured by Historical Reproductions     
 
Buckle measures 47.7nn x 68.5mm    

Editor note: Plate was obtained directly from Historical Reproductions, Jeff Posey, as a sample of his production to be used in this presentation.  Maker marks are present but they are weak.  

F1472      CSA rectangle, manufactured by S&S Firearms  

Loosely speaking this is Virginia style.  It is a nice durable piece for re-enactors, and made the way buckles should be made.  Collectors will generally not be fooled by this plate and it was not made to fool anybody. 
Buckle measures 47mm x 67mm. 
Editor note: Plate was obtained directly from S&S Firearms, as a sample of their production to be used in this presentation. 

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