WHAT IS THIS ITEM?

[earthsea]

Can any body please help me identify this item.
I have photographed both sides as each side is different. I found it with my TDI on a gravel beach near an old historic cemetery. ( Don't worry, I did not go near the cemetery or graves )
The Bay I found this in was the first place Abel Tasman set foot on in New Zealand in 1642, then later by Captain James Cook. The area for those who want to Google earth it is Wainui Bay, New Zealand.
It looks Military to me but not Dutch or English.
It is in such good order indicating that it is very good quality metal and being my best ever find would love to know more about what it is.
Good hunting all.

 

[morelic55]

You have what we Yanks have as a "Snake Belt Buckle" used during the American Civil war. Your piece is the main part of the buckle..........MO

 

[earthsea]

Thank you for that Mo, you have now put that one to rest for me. Looking at your image I can see there is no doubt about it. All I need to do now isi find the other part to the buckle. I wonder now, just how old it would be and the stories it could tell.
Thank you again for you effort.
Good hunting.

 

[BARKER]

n/t

 

[salmonriverhotrock]

The Serpent like heads would have me believe it is related to Naval service. I almost wonder if it were a Sword scabbard belt buckle, the belt being looped up and over one shoulder crossing the trunk of the body down to the opposit side near the hip. I would think it not heavy enough for only a waist belt.

Very nice find you have there and hope you will find the other half. Just a thought but is there any indication the old cemetery ever had part of it eroded away by storm surf or is it far enough away from the beach? I was just thinking if the cenmetery had ever had storm damage, a few graves may have washed away. Good Luck on your search.

 

[BusDigger]

It looks as though several variations of that style buckle were used by many, and by different countries. Identifying it's origin may not be a simple task. Might be easier/quicker to have it looked at by someone local to you who specializes in things of that nature. Good luck & let us know what you learn!

Just something to look at:

http://www.rulen.com/4f/snake.htm

http://freemasonry.bcy.ca/symbolism/apron_hooks/uniforms.html


Smitty

 

[Furious T]

Nice find! Could have come from naval personnel (if it is a naval buckle) attending a ceremony/burial at the cemetary. It will be interesting to see if you can find the other bit, or indeed other artefacts which may have fallen off uniforms etc.

 

[earthsea]

Thanks Guys for all your input, a very special forum this one.
The area I found this item was on a pebbly beach about 3mtrs from a 1mtr high bank that has been eroding away a little but not enough to expose any graves. ( gps coordinates 40〫49' 03.62"S - 172〫56' 17.83 E ) The graves are mainly local native Maori and the area is very secluded in native bush next to a main road.
Naval service sounds possible, if that was the case then it must have been a very important native to be buried.
Yes! I will seek advise from a Guy I kind of know who collects historical stuff and then I will let the forum know the result.
I would much rather find an item like this than a gold ring as the story behind the artifact is all part of the greater hunt. ( In saying that I relish the day when I find a large gold nugget )
Good hunting Guys.