Real or copy?

[berkshire mike]

Hi Guys-
My mother found this belt buckle up here in some old woods near the New York border several years ago. We've always figured it was authentic, and she even brought it down South when she and my Dad went on vacation one year, but were unable to verify whether it's real or not.

My parents are now thinking about selling it, and would like to first make sure it is authentic. Do any of you know where this buckle could be sent to get an appraisal? There is no one around our area that has that kind of expertise, but I figured someone here might now a source. Any help would be much appreciated!

Dimensions are as follows:

length-2.5", width-1.75", around 1/8" thick.
Back looks like it may have been field-repaired at one time.

http://www.picvault.info/images/159145_buckle1.jpg

Here is the back;

http://www.picvault.info/images/159146_buckleback1.jpg


Thanks

[boobieinPa]

I am sure there are members here that can and will help you. Either way it is a super find. CONGRATS:multi:

[Gregory]

I'm no expert in this field but it does look to be newer and artificially aged.
Maybe the others will have some input for you.

[WeaponUSMC]

I seen this on another forum as well, and agree so far with both forums. looks like a fake, but one way to find out is take it to a reputable dealer who can determain it for you. It might cost you some cash, but if its real then it would be worth it....Bill

[NB Digger]

Can you take another pic of the back please. I think that this is probably a reproduction plate based on the tines or hooks on the back. The border looks like the Va. style plate and the letters are similiar to the Atlanta Arsenal style. Sort of a combination of two different plates. Try going to www.relicman.com (http://www.relicman.com) as he has a section on fakes a repros at the bottom. These CSA buckles were reproduced in the 1960's and many of us have been fooled by one. Still, don't just take OPINIONS. Have it looked at by someone who really knows their buckles.
Travis

[ausableBill]

Fake or not, its still a nice looking plate. Hope it turns out to be real. Good luck.

[treasurehunter00]

Nice find but looks like no patina, we found one a few yrs ago and it had a very aged look, have you cleaned it ? anyway that is my two cents ......

[David@DixieMetalDetectors]

Looks like a post war Bannerman plate. Bannerman was a military surplus dealer in New York. He acquired an original metal mold (most all CSA rectangular's were sand cast) from the Atlanta Arsenal. He cast quite a number of them out of journal brass and continued until the mold broke. Many collectors have been fooled over the years. Value is still around $200, but originals can fetch $1,500-$1,800 from Dealers.
David