SNYDER'S BLUFF, VICKSBURG BATTLEFIELD. 85.3mm x 54.5mm lead filled die struck buckle Mississippi state seal. Kerksis describes this buckle in his pioneering 1974 text: "This well executed plate bears the eagle that was the State device of the State of Mississippi at that time. It will be noted that the eagle grasps the branch in his left talon and the arrows in his right; this is in reverse order from the federal eagle. A handsome plate, this is among the rarest of the State plates". Kerksis ranks this buckle as a rarity of 9, Mullinax ranks it rarity 8+. From the collection of Ed Holliday, a very savvy collector who only acquired the finest items from top collectors/dealers. 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. Ink note telling when & where excavated & collection history. CONDITION: very good overall with good detail, eagle's breast feathers worn, dent and small nicks around edge, lead backing is solid with minor chip, one stud hook is missing brass cap, chocolate brown patina. PROVENANCE: Dug 1978 by Kyle Herring; Ronnie Taylor collection; Greg Coco, dealer in Gettysburg; Ed Holliday (1939-2019) estate collection. (02-22775/JS). NON-GUN. $8,000-12,000.