79th N.Y. Belt Buckles

[79th N.Y.S.M.]

I am trying to find out what kind of Belt Buckle this Belt Buckle is...

http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1594&stc=1

Here is another picture.....

http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1595&stc=1

It looks like the Company Letters... A, B, C, G in this case, are on the Belt Buckles.

Heres a Third picture and it seems like the man on the far left is holding something in front of the belt buckle. It also looks like the man to the far right is wearing and "oval' buckle. And also if any one could get me a clearer version of this picture please do.

http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1596&stc=1

Could someone shed some light on this? Maby tell me about this kind of buckle? If you know anything about this please tell me what you know how ever small it might be. Thank You!

[JustRob]

Re: 79th N.Y. Belt Buckles

http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1595&stc=1

It looks like the soldier in this photo is wearing a 1855 rifleman's belt. The outline of the buckle is rather distinctive.

[roundshot]

Re: 79th N.Y. Belt Buckles

The small, "baby size" US plate (41X72mm) is seen in the last photo and can also be seen on prisoners of the 79th in photos taken at Castle Pinckney following their capture at Bull Run. The clipped corner plates with applied company letters are seen in a number of 79th photos and museum artifacts and were supposedly issued with a rectangular shoulder belt plate with an applied '79.' These don't seem to have been used in the field. An excellent study of uniforms worn by the 79th can be found in William Arley Beard IIIs "History of the 79th NY Cameron Highlanders" published by Strawberry Plains Press in 1996.

Bob Williams
Reilly's NC Btty.

[Justin Runyon]

Re: 79th N.Y. Belt Buckles

The 79th was issued the oval US plate during the war years, as evidenced by the Pickney photographs and the photo you posted on the right. The numeric and lettered applied buckles were of a post war issue along with White Cross belts. The two photos attached to your post (first and second) are almost undoubtedly post war in provenence.


I second Wllm. Beards book on the 79th, or the regimental history if you can find a copy,(I have one). Dont take this the wrong way, but this isnt your first hit or miss post on the 79th. with regard to uniform and equipage, it can be a pretty tricky unit to research. If you'd like, you can email me or PM me if you have any particular questions you wish to discuss. I've made it sort of a quest to dispell the 79th rumours that are in constant circulation. I'd be happy to be of service.