What do we do next?

[doelake]

My mother gave this to my husband in the late 70s. We saw something similar appraised on Antiques Roadshow, then bought the Mullinax book to try to get more information. We think we ought to have it appraised, but would like to know what those in the know would do.
We'd also like suggestions on how to find a reputable appraiser.
Many thanks for your help.
5235

5236

[PAPPY]

GET IT APPRAISED !!!! Your's appears to be in Fantastic shape ! I've seen these in poor shape go for $3,000.00....PAPPY:)

[boobieinPa]

If I remember right, I think Pappy had a nice link somewhere that is just what you are looking for.

[NB Digger]

Try www.relicman.com (http://www.relicman.com) to start. I don't think he will appraise it but he can tell you alot more about it! I will get some more appraiser names when I get home!
Harry Ridgeway is a really great guy and I think he would certainly help you out!
By the way, there is a book by Howard Crouch called "Repro Buckles of the Civil War" for those that want to start collecting and are not sure about a buckle.

Beautiful plate by the way! Sure wish it was mine!

Travis

[Tennessee]

And I'm not tring to be negative but this looks like a Banner reproduction. they were made in the 70's and 60's and they were even copied later on I have heard storys of people selling them for orginals.

Thanks Will

[sarge_relics]

By all means "have it appraised"!! But, be sure it's a reputable dealer. I once witnessed a young man sell a Texas plate to a so-called reputable relic dealer. The dealer told him it was a reproduction, I looked at it and there was some engraving on the reverse of the plate. It had the soldiers initials and unit scratched in, probably with a knife. But the dealer still offered the young man $300 for a "fake".

So "be very careful".

[PAPPY]

HARRY RIDGEWAY WILL appraise it for you if you like. Harry is one of the best in the business, fair and honest.

[TENNESSEE HAWK]

I am no expert, but I have to agree with Will on this one. The real ones have what is called " SPUN HOOKS " on the back. The hooks on this one look a lot like solid cast to me. Take Will's advice and take it to a REPUTABLE dealer. Might I suggest Raphel Eldge, at Shiloh's Civil War Rrlics, located just below the entrance to Shiloh Military Park. We have a big flea market over in Crump TENN., and last summer I saw more fake Civil War relics than I could count. And about six or seven display cases of FAKE BUCKLES! U.S. and C.S.! Listen to Will. Thanks for sharing. TENNESSEE HAWK :confused:

[treasurehunter00]

Great find and I am sure it is the real thing , we found on here in Northeast Arkansas in 2000 and had it looked at from a professor from Arkansas State U and he told us that ours was one of 3 to be found in this area, back then they was worth about 3500.00 , ours was in good condition but yours is even better, just makes cold chills to see another one never will forget the feeling when it came out of the dirt , could not beleive it , sure brings back good memories, Thanks for sharing.....Jack