Eagle Plate - Rear Writing/Drawing?
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Item: Eagle Plate - Rear Writing/Drawing??
Description: Raised eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch in its talons on a plain field.
Use: Federal. Eagle plates, also known as breast plates, shoulder belt plates, and cross belt plates, were attached to the cross-belt sling that supported the soldier's cartridge box. Examples 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: Stamped thin sheet brass with solder fill and iron wire loops.
Condition: Excellent, excavated. Its brass face, with its well-defined eagle, has a brown patina. The rear solder is complete with the exception of surface flaking. Both iron attachment loops are present, straight up and, while rusty, are stable. Very lightly etched into the rear solder are what may be script lettering or some type of design. While it is difficult to see in normal room lighting, it is visible with a light and magnifier, as well as in the additional images. The plate has no cracks, breaks, bends, or repairs.
Approximate diameter: 63 mm.
Recovered: Wilderness, VA area.
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: While the front of this excavated plate is simply outstanding, additional examination of the plate's rear is needed. This eagle plate with its mysterious etching, will be an excellent addition to any excavated Civil War plate or general relic collection.
- Product Code:
- PC10155
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