Deep down in my heart, I can't help but think it's a fantasy piece or replica BUT I have quite a few poignant questions that may dispel those thoughts. This item was dug from about 6 inches deep and other than a little soap and water, it is as dug.
These are some of the questions that come to mind.......
#1 Why was this found in Florida (Tampa Area) at an old homestead? I know that many Civil War items were kept after the war because in the south all industry had been pretty much destroyed so you came home with what was on your back and glad to have that.
#2 If it is a fantasy piece, why does it seem to be a Cartridge Box Plate instead of a Buckle that would have much more appeal to the consumer? Who would buy a replica of a Cartridge Box Plate? Doesn't seem to me to be a large calling for them in order to reproduce. CS Cartridge Box Plates seem to be harder to find than Unicorns.
#3 It could be part of an adornment for a Saddle. Common sense says it's too heavy to be a hat or Kepi decoration.
Any how, dust off those old catalogs and Belt Plate books and give me what you got. If this thing IS real, it could be worth some serious coinage!
[attachment 190269 plate2.jpg] Here she is, my fingers are crossed for it to be authentic !
[attachment 190270 plate1.jpg] Side view. Check out the hammered rivets. Looks like it would have been centered in something leather like. Also see the #3?
[attachment 190271 plate3.jpg] Quarter for scale. Not big enough to be any kind of a belt buckle.
[attachment 190272 plate4.jpg] Another view of the hammered rivets.
[attachment 190273 plate5.jpg] Reverse of plate with #3 at top center.
[attachment 190274 plate6.jpg] Reverse again with quarter for scale.
There you have it! Seems to be made of copper or brass, it's not rusty so no iron. Give me your best shot and let me know what y'all think.
therick
These are some of the questions that come to mind.......
#1 Why was this found in Florida (Tampa Area) at an old homestead? I know that many Civil War items were kept after the war because in the south all industry had been pretty much destroyed so you came home with what was on your back and glad to have that.
#2 If it is a fantasy piece, why does it seem to be a Cartridge Box Plate instead of a Buckle that would have much more appeal to the consumer? Who would buy a replica of a Cartridge Box Plate? Doesn't seem to me to be a large calling for them in order to reproduce. CS Cartridge Box Plates seem to be harder to find than Unicorns.
#3 It could be part of an adornment for a Saddle. Common sense says it's too heavy to be a hat or Kepi decoration.
Any how, dust off those old catalogs and Belt Plate books and give me what you got. If this thing IS real, it could be worth some serious coinage!
[attachment 190269 plate2.jpg] Here she is, my fingers are crossed for it to be authentic !
[attachment 190270 plate1.jpg] Side view. Check out the hammered rivets. Looks like it would have been centered in something leather like. Also see the #3?
[attachment 190271 plate3.jpg] Quarter for scale. Not big enough to be any kind of a belt buckle.
[attachment 190272 plate4.jpg] Another view of the hammered rivets.
[attachment 190273 plate5.jpg] Reverse of plate with #3 at top center.
[attachment 190274 plate6.jpg] Reverse again with quarter for scale.
There you have it! Seems to be made of copper or brass, it's not rusty so no iron. Give me your best shot and let me know what y'all think.
therick
only because of size... the stamped 3 on it may be the lead too 
