SNY Buckle

This State of New York militia buckle was probably lost during the Peninsula Campaign.  I couldn't resist the opportunity to improve its condition and hopefully pass it on to someone who would like to add this to their collection and who appreciates how it looks now.    Basically, I have removed some of the high profile oxidation, or "crusties" as I refer to them, filled some voids in the rim, and evened out the overall color.  I also removed the digger's marks from the solder fill.  I think the work represents an improvement without overdoing the resto'.  This plate is available for sale for those who may be interested.

Typical Plate Damage, Always a Challenge

Shown below are three relatively "common" union accoutrement plates. All had damage and the owner wanted more presentable relics. As always, matching the solder backing to the existing is the greatest challenge. This isn't to say face matching isn't difficult but getting a believable solder look with the exact layering of grays, white and earth tones continues to be the big hurdle in completing the work to my satisfaction. These came out rather well but only after hours of rework.

State of New York Waist Belt Plate Restoration

State of New York waist belt plate

Solder fill simulated as heavily oxidized

Reconstructed & Restored

SNY Buckle

Before

 

After