Eagle Plate
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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 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: Die stamped thin sheet brass with solder fill and two iron wire loops.
Condition: Good, excavated. The brass front has a very pleasing greenish-brown patina that is partially covered with remnants of yellow soil. There is a freeze crack that runs from the rim edge at the 11 o'clock position to the top of the eagle's right wing. There is a small rust-through to the right of the eagle's beak as a result of rusting of the rear iron belt attachment device. The rim is complete and without any other flaws. The rear retains a near complete complement of solder with minor surface flaking in areas of the rim. It retains one of the two loops which is complete and straight up. Printed in blue ink on the rear is "BETHESDA CHURCH / 1963 / FOUND BY E.V. SMITH". The plate has no bends or repairs.
Recovered: 1963 Bethesda Church, VA.
Approximate size: 63 mm.
Comments: This excavated eagle plate was acquired directly from the family of E. V. Smith. Mr. Smith, a lifelong Virginia relic hunter, thoughtfully recorded the plate’s location of recovery. It will be an excellent addition to any excavated Civil War accoutrement plate or general relic collection.
- Product Code:
- PC9479
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