Help Identify old military buckle

[leelo]

Hello all.....Leelo in Illinois. My friend and I, Don detected an 1800's house last week where he found this beautiful old belt buckle. It was found with the White's Prizm 5 metal detector, about 9 inches down. Incredible find, cleaned with soap, water, and toothbrush. Great shape missing back paw. Pappy or anyone affiliated with military artifacts please give me the date on this piece and value if possible. Here are the pictures enjoy. Thank you, god bless........to view the pictures go to Putfile - Welcome to my homepage!
Leelo

Just a suggestion.
Why don't you post it on the C.W. forum also.

[Toadie]

Great looking Buckle face you have. Look some more and you may find the back. The old house may have burned and melted the lead . Looks Union to me but am not an expert on buckles... May post in Civil War Quest to see if anyone recognizes it.

[bigbillinsc]

eagle with shield olive branches and arrows is the "great seal of the united states". It is supposed to be surrounded by 13 stars that buckle has only 12 (i will recount but i believe the count was 12) it is a great find. no idea on age or value. but i like and would love to find one myself

[Coin Hunter]

Great looking buckle, nice find.

[INDY]

WOW, what a cool thing to find, tell your friend, WTG !