Confederate Frame Buckle, dug at the Antietam Battlefield

This is another rare piece being offered, it is an excavated brass Confederate Frame Buckle, measuring approximately 2 1/2” x 2 3/4”. Originally, this buckle would have had two teeth for attachment to the belt, however they snapped off. The teeth were narrower which made them weaker. An example of this buckle is in “Plates and Buckles of the American Military” by Sydney Kerksis and has a rarity of “5” (see pictures). It was recovered years ago at the Antietam Battlefield.

The Battle of Antietam, also known as the Battle of Sharpsburg, particularly in the South, was fought on September 17, 1862. This was the first major battle in the Civil War to take place on Union soil. It is the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, with a combined tally of dead, wounded, and missing at 22,717.

Actually, this buckle is in nice condition, with an untouched patina. To have both teeth snapped off, it must have taken a good bit of pressure. There is a slight wave in the buckle, but that is typical with most of these buckles from hard use. It comes in the glass top display case pictured. This is truly a great Antietam piece.