Eagle Plate
SOLD
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: Excellent, excavated. The brass front is flawless, with its highly detailed eagle and very pleasing even rich brown patina. The rim is fully intact and with a very minor wave at the 3:30 o'clock position. The rear retains a complete complement of solder with both loops straight up. Stamped in the solder are a series of small period dimples in a circular pattern that may have been purposely put there, but their meaning is unknown. Also, there is printing on the rear in nearly indistinct faded red marker as depicted in the additional images. It is believed to be "AWARED (sic) FOR '91 CLUB HUNT", indicating that it was likely an award presented to a relic hunt director or participant, a very nice price indeed! The plate has no cracks, breaks or repairs.
Recovered: Chickamauga, GA. area.
Approximate size: 64 mm.
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: This excavated eagle plate will be an excellent addition to any excavated Civil War accoutrement plate or general relic collection.
- Product Code:
- PC9038
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