RARE – Revolutionary War British “Lions Head” sash/belt buckle, dug at Ft. Oswegatchie, NY (ON HOLD,MW)

This is a rare piece coming out of a 60-year collection of French & Indian War, Revolutionary War, and War of 1812 artifacts. Being offered is a Revolutionary War British “Lions Head” sash/belt buckle. It is solid brass and measures 2 1/8” x 1 ½”.   It was dug in August 2011 from Ft. Oswegatchie, Ogdensburg, NY.

In 1760 the British occupied the fort and renamed it Fort Oswegatchie. They used Oswegatchie during the Revolutionary War from 1775 to 1783. Captain George Forster led a detachment of the King’s 8th (see pictures) from Fort Oswegatchie and defeated the Americans at the Battle of the Cedars in 1776.  On June 10, 1779, Fort Oswegatchie was attacked by an American detachment from Fort Stanwix, a retaliatory attack on Fort Stanwix took 29 prisoners and three scalps.

In June 1782, Capt. Robertson, the Fort Commandant since May 1779, led a destructive attack on Ellice’s Mill at Little Falls. Wheat, flour and a quantity of Indian corn belonging to Congress, and approximately the same amount owned by local inhabitants, plus a quantity of salt pork and beef were destroyed. This raid is mentioned in the novel “Drums Along The Mohawk”.

After the cessation of hostilities, the British refused to give up Fort Oswegatchie to the victorious Americans. It is one of the five forts along the frontier they retained. Jay’s Treaty signed November 19, 1794, contains the provision that the British evacuate the frontier posts by June 1, 1796.

There is an identical example of this buckle in “Collector’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Revolution”, by Neumann & Kravic (see pictures). It remains in very nice condition and has a beautiful untouched patina. There was also one being offered on Ebay for $899.99 (see listing).

This collection began in the late 1950s and was created by private acquisitions, closed museums, diggers, and from lake divers. The collector meticulously displayed and cataloged every piece along with its provenance.

This is the first time it has been on the open market, and it is truly a great piece of early American History. It definitely merits a place in an advanced collection or museum. As with all the pieces in this esteemed collection, a Certificate of Authenticity will be included. It comes in the glass top display case shown. As with all items on the website, the very friendly layaway is also available.