CAROLINA BELT BUCKLE. 63.8mm, brass wire hooks, hooks are perpendicular to face for use as a belt buckle, normally this variety are angled for use with a cross belt plate, and the belt buckle is quite scarce. This exact configuration is not shown in Mullinax however, the NCO cross belt version is shown as plate 398. Kerksis does show identical configuration as figure 408 in his pioneering 1974 text. Kerksis comments on the Palmetto tree and Latin mottoes as "Nullification" device. "Animis Opibusque Parati" & "Dum Spiro Spero Spes", meaning "Prepared in Mind and Resources, While I Breathe, I Hope". This is a beautiful, excavated example with fine patina that would be hard to improve. From the collection of Ed Holliday, a very savvy collector who only acquired the finest items from top collectors/dealers. Mullinax classifies this buckle as made with a type 1 die, large "1876" date. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: Steve Mullinax Letter of Authenticity, copy of pertinent pages from Mullinax "CONFEDERATE BELT BUCKLES & PLATES", expanded edition 1999, and Kerksis "PLATES & BUCKLES OF THE AMERICAN MILITARY", 1974. CONDITION: very good to fine for excavated lead filled buckle, face shows wear to high areas but still has good detail and dark green and brown patina, one of three hooks is broken, lead chipped on edges. PROVENANCE: Ed Holliday (1939-2019) estate collection. (02-22773/JS). $2,500-3,500.