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Eagle Plate - Stamped "W. H. WILKINSON / SPRINGFIELD, MASS" and "US"

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Item: Eagle Plate - Stamped "W. H. WILKINSON / SPRINGFIELD, MASS" and "US"
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: Very good, excavated. Its brass face, with its highly detailed eagle clutching arrows in its right talon and an olive branch in its left, has an army olive-green patina with a thin layer of encrusted soil predominantly in areas of the rim giving the plate a ghostly appearance. The rear solder is complete with a very minor surface flaking. Both iron attachment loops are present, complete, rusty, and bent over to the rear. Visible on the rear are a few of the first letters of military accoutrement contractor "W. H. WILKINSON / SPRINGFIELD" with the letters "US" complete. Also printed on the rear in very faded and difficult to discern, in blue lettering, is believed to be "DEC 1, 1968 / CAROLINE COUNTY / CAMP OVERLOOKING / DICKINSON MILL" representing the location and date of recovery. The plate has no cracks, breaks, or repairs. 
Recovered: Caroline County, VA.
Approximate diameter: 64 mm.
Reference: Similar examples of a "W. H. WILKINSON / SPRINGFIELD, MASS" / "US" 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 287, Plate 457.
• "Field Guide to Excavated Federal Plates" by Daniel J. Peters on page 6.
• "Plates and Buckles of the American Military 1795-1874", by Sydney C. Kerksis on page 524.

See above pages in the additional images.

Comments: According to a Virginia historic marker in the area of Dickenson's Mill in Caroline County, VA, it was here that Robert E. Lee camped "on May 21, 1864, on his way to the North Anna to oppose Grant moving southward. Ewell's and Longstreet's corps rested here that night." 

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 date and location of recovery. Recovering an eagle plate of this quality today is a very rare occurrence, but digging one with a contactor's stamp is even rarer. Plates with this particular stamp are fairly difficult to recover and this one will be an excellent addition to any excavated Civil War plate or general relic collection.

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Product Code:

PC9483

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Price:

$325.00

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This brand is available for:

EAGLE PLATES , NEW ITEMS , GREAT GIFT IDEAS , ALL PLATES , FEDERAL RELICS , MAKER MARKED PLATES , MARKED RELICS