This is set containing a U.S. Civil War era belt buckle with belt and a percussion cap pouch.  In evaluating these we can confirm that the percussion cap pouch is authentic.  The belt and buckle appear authentic but it is possible they could be a well done and old reproduction.  Please review the photos closely.

The belt measures 35.5 inches long by 2 inches wide.  The belt is in very good condition.  It shows crazing as well as surface leather loss.  The stitching at the join is good.  Overall wear appears minor.  This belt was obviously well stored and has been oiled/treated in the past.  There is no evident deep cracking or brittleness.

The buckle (plate) measures just under 3.5 inches long by 2.125 inches wide.  The buckle is in very good condition.  The front shows varying levels of patina but no dents, dings or scratches.  The hooks on the back appear period correct.  The hooks are thick and there is some oxidation at the join to the buckle.  In appearance it does resemble other verified buckles seen online.   However, U.S. Civil War buckles have been so widely reproduced for so long it is possible this could be an older reproduction.

The percussion cap pouch is authentic.  It was made by E.A.Crossman & Co. and has the correct marks for J.C. Miller US Ordnance Sub Inspector.  The pouch is in good condition.  There is much crazing and top leather loss on the front flap.  The stitching is solid.  The rivets have oxidation.  The inside pouch flap has minor crazing and top leather loss.   The interior pocket still has its wool lining.  It appears this pouch has also been oiled and well stored.

A Note on authenticity.

These items were acquired in an estate liquidation of a former career military man.  He had served and risen in the ranks from WWII to Korea to Vietnam.  In his lifetime he had accumulated an impressive collection of items from his own service as well as things of historical military interest.  Given his position in the military he obviously tried to acquire only authentic militaria and kept very detailed documents of his transactions, sources, and historical records.  Unfortunately, we can’t find any documentation in his archive on these items.  Given the provenance we believe that these items are all authentic.  However, given Civil War reproductions, we can’t say that for certain about the buckle and belt.

Markings on Percussion Cap Pouch:

E.A. CROSSMAN & Co.

Newark

– N.J –

J.C. MILLER

U.S.

ORD.DEPT

SUB INSPECTOR

I – on back of pouch