Eagle Plate
SOLD
Item: Eagle Plate
Use: Federal. Eagle plates, also known as breast plates, shoulder belt plates, and cross belt plates, were displayed on the belt that held the soldier's cartridge box. Eagle plates with two belt attachment loops 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: Die stamped thin sheet brass with solder fill and two iron wire loops.
Condition: Fair, excavated, attachment loops missing. The brass front has a pleasing brown patina with light yellow soil still present nicely highlighting the eagle. There is a bend and slice in the body of the plate that is not a result of a modern strike as indicated by the absence of shiny brass or solder. With the exception of the sliced area, the rim is fully intact with minor dents, nicks and cracks. The rear retains a complete complement of solder however both belt attachment loops are missing. The plate has no repairs.
Recovered: Charles City County, VA.
Approximate size: 64 mm.
Reference: Images of similar eagle plates are found in the following Civil War relic reference book:
- "Civil War Artifacts" by Howard Crouch, on page 189.
See above page in additional images.
Comments: This excavated eagle plate was acquired directly from the digger, and should you like that war torn appearance, this plate will be an excellent addition to any excavated plate or general relic collection.
- Product Code:
- PC10342
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