I found a Civil War belt buckle in my attic!

#1

Hi all - always check in those old boxes from your parent's house....you might strike gold! My father passed in 2002 and after we cleaned his house, I took a few boxes of pictures and some military items. There was also a box of New Old Stock Kodak film and some Sylvania flashbulbs....I have begun the mental & physical process of downsizing our house over the next few years, so I need to purge what I can. I am listing the photography stuff on eBay, but as I dug thru the box I found a brass belt buckle with a silver wreath on it. I don't recall he ever mentioning it, but then again why would he? My Dad was never a collector, but rather a mini-hoarder because "Some day I might need that!" Anyway, I did some research and the belt buckle is a Civil War Model 1851 Eagle Sword Belt Plate with Silver Wreath. Values vary, but I have seen several dealers selling them for about $350. One online dealer offered me $200, but I think I am selling it to a local collector I found on Craigslist. Anyway, I just wanted to share....it is always cool to find new treasures!

#2

Hi Bob,

That is very cool. How wonderful to own, and hold such history that played a small part of a man is such a deciding moment in our country's great struggle for this nation.

I too will have a great many boxes to go through when my father-in-law passes. He has a great deal of WWII stuff passed down to him from his grandfather and great uncle who were offices in the war. He also has s a good bit of stuff he collected while in the AF.

Thanks for posting.

#3

Thanks, Roy! It is a shame, cuz I know my Dad had a few swords and other things somewhere in his house, but I was not involved in the direct clean-up. My stepmonster handled it and her 50+ year old son probably took whatever he thought was valuable. I only lucked out here cuz the buckle was in a box of photo stuff that they didn't think was valuable.

When it comes time to clean out or sell, there is a lot of info available on the web. Depending on the items, working with a reputable dealer may bring you higher sales prices than trying to sell on your own. Similar to beer can dealers. Sure you have to pay a 15-20% fee, but they will net you more cash in the end (normally) than trying your luck on eBay....of course there are always exceptions. Good luck when you begin your clean-out!

#4

Cool unexpected find.
I would think the Civil War collectors would be quite interested in something like that.

#5

If anyone is interested, I put it on eBay:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/143921063245

I found a Civil War belt buckle in my attic!

I found a Civil War belt buckle in my attic!

Re: I found a Civil War belt buckle in my attic!

Re: I found a Civil War belt buckle in my attic!

Re: I found a Civil War belt buckle in my attic!

Re: I found a Civil War belt buckle in my attic!