This is a tough to find version of excavated belt buckle. It is an original small size U.S. Belt buckle of the model of 1839. They are often referred to by collectors as the "baby" U.S. because of the smaller size. This nice dug buckle has a only the brass bases of the one arrow hook on the back but the keeper hook is still intact. The verbal history that accompanied this piece is that it was found years ago on private property in the Helena, Arkansas area. The Battle of Helena was fought on July 4, 1863, near Helena, Arkansas, during the American Civil War. Union troops captured the city in July 1862, and had been using it as a base of operations. This is an attractive original buckle of the style that is tough to find these days.