Eagle Plate Stamped H. A. DINGEE

Item: Federal Eagle Plate - Stamped "H. A. DINGEE"
Description: Raised eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch in its talons on a plain field.
Use: 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: Stamped thin sheet brass with solder fill and iron wire loops.
Condition: Very good, excavated. Its brass face has a very pleasing even, smooth chocolate brown patina with a very light layer of surface soil encrustation to one side. There is a mild dent to its rim at the two o'clock position. The rear solder is complete and both iron attachment loops are present, complete, and straight up. Visibly stamped into the rear is the military accoutrement supplier "H. A. DINGEE" as indicated in the additional images. The plate has no cracks, breaks, or repairs. 
Recovered: November 20, 1966, Howlett Line, Chesterfield, 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: Recovering a plate of this quality today is highly unlikely, but digging one with a manufacturer's or supplier's stamp is even less likely. Written on the accompanying tag on one side is: "HOWLETT HOUSE LINE - JAMES RIVER SIDE - / 11-20-66" with "H. A. DINGEE" on the other side. 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:
PC5549
Price:
$425.00
This brand is available for:
EAGLE PLATES , NEW ITEMS , FEDERAL RELICS , MAKER MARKED PLATES , MARKED RELICS , MISC. NON-EXCAVATED ITEMS

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