Original Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent example of an Early U.S. Navy Officer’s Belt Buckle dating from the Federal Period into the Mexican War Era. This is one of a handful of variations worn by Naval Officer’s during that period, as there were no regulation patterns until 1850 (which is the same pattern used to this day by U.S. Navy Officers).
The buckle design features a gorgeous representation of a Federal Eagle clutching a roped Anchor. The breast of the eagle embellished with a Federal Shield. Bordering the eagle and anchor are thirteen six-pointed stars. Surprisingly, the buckle retains almost all of its original gilded finish. As usual for 19th Century buckles, the only marking is a casting mark “16”. The buckle measures 2 ¼” x 2”.
The Buckle we are offering is half of a “spoon and wreath” style buckle. These buckle styles utilize a “spoon” side (which we are offering), and a “wreath” side. The buckle fastens by interconnecting both halves to each other. Sadly, we only have the spoon portion. Complete buckles of this time often bring upwards of $1,200+
This is a wonderful representation that retains a high amount of original finish and also shows signs of untouched patina. Pre-Civil War U.S. Navy items are rather hard to come by, especially in this condition. Ready for display!