LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 June Civil War Grand Format Auction #663  / 

72146

A Remarkable Two-Piece Gold Virginia Confederate

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:4,500.00 USD Estimated At:18,000.00 - 24,000.00 USD
A Remarkable Two-Piece Gold Virginia Confederate
<B>A Remarkable Two-Piece Gold Virginia Confederate Belt Plate Belonging to Mosby Ranger C. F. Wood of Warrenton, Virginia </B></I> Rarely does a Confederate plate in this condition reach the market. This near-pristine gold-plated jeweler made buckle set is a museum piece in quality, as visually attractive as it is historically important. The central disk which is inserted into the receiving mechanism of the buckle is the Virginia state seal with "Virginia" above the figure of Virtus, the Roman goddess of virtue with the Latin motto "Sic Semper Tyrannis" when translated meaning "thus always to tyrants", appearing below the figure.<BR><BR>While there is some of the gilt having been rubbed from the clothing of the figure of Virtus, the overall condition of the disk portion of the buckle is magnificent. Virtus stands in a victorious pose with her foot ceremoniously on top of the defeated tyrant whose crown has fallen from his head. A variant of the 1776 approved design is still in use as Virginia's state seal today. There is an inspector's mark '3' on the obverse of the buckle beside the disk next to the rectangular attachment where a leather belt would be attached.<BR><BR>The receiving device of the buckle is a magnificent oak wreath, intricately engraved and broken at the top and bottom by ribbons forming two St. Andrew's crosses. This part of the buckle incorporates the rectangular portion where the leather belt would be attached. Inside the interior of the oak wreath where the disk is inserted is another, separate inspector's mark of a reversed '4'. The plate measures 80mm x 50mm and is similar to Plate 418 in <I>Confederate Belt Buckles and Plates</B></I> by Steve E. Mullinax. A letter of authenticity from Mullinax accompanied this buckle.<BR><BR>This is a highly treasured gold Virginia Confederate two-piece belt buckle in almost unseen, fine condition.<BR><BR><B>Provenance:</B></I><I>The Tharpe Collection of American Military History</B></I><BR><BR><B>Exhibited:</B></I> <I>The Liberty Heritage Society Museum</B></I><BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Miscellaneous Collectibles, Smal (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
Sign In to Bookmark Lot