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: Good, excavated. The brass front has a light green patina. The fully intact rim has a couple of dents at the noon and 2 o'clock positions. The body of the plate is mildly concaved. The rear retains a complete complement of solder and both belt attachment loops which are completely bent over to the rear. The plate has no cracks, breaks or 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:
See above page in additional images.
Comments: This excavated eagle plate will be an excellent addition to any excavated Civil War accoutrement plate or general relic collection.
MISSED OUT ON THIS ITEM?
I may have other similar examples not yet listed.
To find out:
Call or Text: 804-873-5462
Email: virginiarelics@comcast.net