1850 Officers two piece belt buckle, Original?

[BerdanBraafladt]

Hey guys here is a question for you. I have had this belt buckle come across my desk and I have not dealt with really any of these that are original so I could use your opinion. The buckle, when suspended by a rubber band, does not ring like repo's typically do. The front has nice clear detail and has a pattern around the eagle. The thing that really bothers me is the back how there are finish lines and two marks that look like they would be tape on the mold. Also there is XXX III marks on both the buckle and keeper. I have seen one other listing for a buckle with what appears to be Roman numerals. Anyway I have included photos so if anybody has any opinions let me know.
Thanks,
Kevin

[Silas]

Re: 1850 Officers two piece belt buckle, Original?

So, what's the question?

[Curt Schmidt]

Re: 1850 Officers two piece belt buckle, Original?

Hallo!

It is common for the plates and hasps to have matching "bench numbers;" sometimes this was done in Roman numerals.

It can be very hard to determine the original for the expertly done lost-wax, etc., type reproductions made a number of years ago.
And perhaps not so oddly, there was also a post Civil War market for castings of them as well.

What seems to catch my eye, is that the laurel berry on the lower left (right side in the image) seems to have been altered/repaced with a "D" possibly for the maker or warning of "duplicate?"

Not saying it is, or isn't.

I have no expertise on plates, so my opinion is worthless here...

Curt

[sumter_guard]

Re: 1850 Officers two piece belt buckle, Original?

Judging from the subject of the thread, I would deduce that the question is, "Is this buckle original?" Somehow it was crystal clear to me.

I just can't come up with an answer. Sorry.

Andrew