fake or real maryland plate

[ijg660]

I got this awhile back at an auction and have tried to find out anything about it. I do know that it is a maryland plate stamped e. gaylord on the back. The back is lead filled and I think it has puppy paws yes/no. What I would like to know is dating, real or fake and approximate value. thank all help appreciated.

also this is my first forum so please be patient with me

[ijg660]

here are some better pics all help is welcomed

[DANNY SPENCER]

Hi ijg660

Your plate looks to be correct in accordance with the Mullinax book which says it should measure 55 x 86 mm.

Made by Emerson Gaylord from 1860 to 65 with a matching cartridge box plate an unknown number were supplied to one or more Baltimore’s independent companies before the war.
Mullinax rates this plate as a 7+ on a scale of 1 to 10.
Gavin shows the same plate in his book and states they were possibly issued to both Confederate and Union troops.

I am no expert but I think it is an authentic plate and I wouldn’t venture a guess about its worth in dollars other to say it more than some $5,000.00.

You can get more professional opinions on at the civil war fakes and fake buster web sites.

A nice pick up I think!

[Antietam]

I would agree that from all appearances the plate is 100% legit. The hooks are correct and as best I tell from the photographs the die work on the plate is very sharp and well defined. Marked E. GAYLORD Maryland box plates and belt plates are not the rule but rather the exception. Generally they were not stamped by Gaylord, and when marked, it is found more commonly on boxplates rather that the buckle. If fact yours is only the second buckle I have seen with the E.GAYLORD stamping. As to value I saw an E.GAYLORD boxplate sell in an auction over the weekend for $3500. I would say your buckle is more desirable and would fall within the 5000-6000 dollar range.