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

Fakes, reproductions, replicas,
Militia plates, round eagle, Federal plates 286 to 323

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Grouping of patterns of militia plates, eagle with stars. Many originals were die struck applied, but many were also cast copies. 

Plate 296, eagle militia two part plate
Original plate is cast, fairly poor quality.  The number "17" is cast in the wreath on all examples and was therefore must have been in the original master.

F1224       Militia two piece buckle, manufactured by Hanover Brass

 
Tongue keeper 50.3mm
Wreath keeper 51.2mm
Wreath height 49.3mm

Plate was obtained directly from Hanover Brass with the following comment:
"The original mold had the No 17, so you cannot use this for reference.  You more or less have to go by 2mm smaller."

Editor note:  Both the original and the repro are sand cast so the grain look will be on both.  This example does measure considerably smaller than an original examined.

F1081       Militia two piece buckle, manufactured by Hanover Brass
   
"This reproduction Militia 2- Piece is cast in yellow brass. the lack of detail on the original from which this was cast, shows that this original was mass produced loosing much of its fine detail that would be expected on this type Militia 2- piece. This plate is an exact copy and has the number 17 stamped inside the wreath, just as the original wreath. Wearable or collectable."

Source: ebay auction by jaglady00 3/12/06 "Ca.1855-1860 Militia 2- piece Belt Buckle Plate Item number: 6611625688"

Editor note: "jaglady00" is Hanover Brass, items sold as reproductions.   

Plate 305 to 307 Militia two part buckle
Original of plate 305 and 306 had die struck disc applied.  Plate 307 is cast copy.

F1087    Militia two piece   
 
"This reproduction Militia 2- Piece is cast in yellow brass. This plate has very fine detail. Notice the 31 Stars around the Eagle, representing the 31 states at the time of its circulation. The wreath is the wreath pattern that the Confederates used to cast the Richmond CS 2-piece. As you can see in the pictures, this is a beauty! Wearable or collectable."

Source: ebay auction by jaglady00 3/12/06 "Ca.1851-1855 Militia 2- piece Belt Buckle Plate Item number: 6611632513"

Editor note: "jaglady00" is Hanover Brass, items sold as reproductions.   

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