I just watched the end to an auction offering what is known as a "TENNESSEE CLIP CORNER CS BELT PLATE". The seller, under the pretense of ignorance, stated that several experts have examined this item and some ruled original and some ruled fake. RED FLAGS everywhere! If the seller offers such a disclaimer, believe him! This plate sold for $861.00, while an unquestionable original woulc easily bring around $3,500.00+! There are a lot of knowledgeable Civil War Collectors that are Ebay members who would have gladly paid three times that amount if they felt it was original. Tell me why it sold at 25% of  LOW market value if it is original? A reproduction sold as such can be purchased for around $25.00. A couple of chemicals and a few days in the ground would develop the patina that appeared on this example. Bottom line is "IF IT SEEMS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, IT PROBABLY IS and JUST BECAUSE IT LOOKS OLD DOES NOT NECESSARILY MEAN IT IS OLD". As a collector for over forty years let me offer this advice; Spend your first few hundred on reference books and show admissions. Talk to well known, reputable dealers, seek advice, find an experienced mentor and be cautious in buying while you learn.