French M1862 Enlisted Engineer Corps Brass Buckle

Original era manufacture. Heavy cast brass buckle as worn by the Sappers and Pioneers of the French Army during the reign of Napoleon III up to the beginning of WWI. Nice brass patina to the buckle surface with minor nicks and scratches from service wear. During this era the French Army made great use of a variety of attractive brass buckles marked with specific corps insignia. The buckles generally are reasonably priced for their age and form the basis for a very interesting collection.