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 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: Die stamped thin sheet brass with solder fill and two iron wire loops.
Condition: Fair, excavated. The brass front has a very pleasing green patina with rust-through areas as a result of the rear iron loop bar. A portion of the plate is missing to the left of the three arrows and the plate is bent resulting in a concaved shape. Most of the rear solder is intact but the two attachment loops are missing. The plate has no repairs.
Recovered: Charlestown, WV area.
Approximate size: 65 mm. (measurement varies due to irregular shape)
Reference: Images of similar eagle plates are found in the following Civil War relic reference book:
See above page in additional images.
Comments: This excavated eagle plate was acquired directly from the digger and, if you like that war torn appearance, then this one is for you. It will be an excellent addition to any excavated Civil War accoutrement plate or general relic collection.
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