Eagle Plate - Stamped "H. A. Dingee"

Item: Eagle Plate - Stamped "H. A. DINGEE"
Use: Federal. Eagle plates, also known as breast plates, shoulder belt plates, and cross belt plates, depicting a raised eagle clutching arrows in its right talon and an olive branch in its left. They were attached to the cross-belt sling that supported the soldier's cartridge box. They were primarily 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 loops.
Condition: Excellent, excavated. Its brass face, with its nicely detailed eagle clutching arrows in its right talon and an olive branch in its left, has a very pleasing even, smooth chocolate brown patina. The rear solder is complete. Both iron attachment loops are present, complete, rusty, and straight up. Visibly stamped into the rear are the first and last letters of military accoutrement supplier "H. A. DINGEE" as indicated in the additional images. The plate has no cracks, breaks, or repairs. 
Recovered: New Kent County, VA.
Approximate diameter: 64 mm.
Reference: Similar examples of a "H. A. DINGEE" stamped eagle plates can be found in the following relic reference books:

  • "American Military Belt Plates" by Michael J. O'Donnell and J. Duncan Campbell, on page 289, Plate 460.
  • "Field Guide to Excavated Federal Plates" by Daniel J. Peters on page 7.
  • "Plates and Buckles of the American Military 1795-1874", by Sydney C. Kerksis on page 517.

See above pages in the additional images.

Comments: The front of this plate is simply stunning and recovering one of this quality today is highly unlikely, but digging one with a manufacturer's or supplier's stamp is even less likely. Plates stamped "DINGEE" are moderately rare, and this one will be an excellent addition to any excavated Civil War plate or general relic collection.

Product Code:
PC10801
Price:
$295.00
This brand is available for:
EAGLE PLATES , NEW ITEMS , GREAT GIFT IDEAS , ALL PLATES , FEDERAL RELICS , MAKER MARKED PLATES

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