Eagle Plate - Marked W. H. Smith Brooklyn - Struck

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Item: Excavated Federal Eagle Plate - Marked W. H. Smith Brooklyn - Struck
Use: Eagle plates, also known as breast plates, shoulder belt plates, and cross belt plates, were displayed on the crossbelt that held the soldier's cartridge box. They were purely ornamental and proudly worn by Union soldiers with the belt slung over the shoulder and across the chest. See the additional images in this listing for an image showing its use.
Construction:
 Stamped thin sheet brass with solder fill and iron wire attachment loops.
Condition:
 Fair, excavated. Its brass face has an even rich brown patina and shows a detailed eagle, clutching arrows in its right talon and an olive branch in its left. At the rim just above the eagle's right wing is a severe inward break with bends that indicate that the plate was struck by perhaps a bullet or some other fast moving projectile. This damage is clearly period as there is little to no bright brass or crumbling solder in the area of the break. I am of the opinion that when the plate was recovered, a portion of the rim was bent outwards as a result of being struck and the digger likely bent it back into place in an attempt to make it look a bit more attractive. There are three tiny freeze cracks in the rim at the 8, 11, and 2 o'çlock positions. The rear has a nearly complete complement of solder which is solid. It is missing both iron attachment loops and is clearly manufacturer marked "W. H. SMITH / BROOKLYN".
Recovered: In the Falmouth, VA area.
Approximate diameter:
 65 mm.
Comments:
 The last few images in this listing will show the plate and a fired Enfield bullet, (not recovered with the plate), displayed in a glass top display case that will be included. This eagle breast plate will be an interesting and excellent addition to any excavated Civil War plate or general relic collection.

 


Product Code:
PC7648

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