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: Fair, excavated. The brass front has a grey-white patina with several freeze cracks. While the central portion of the plate with raised eagle is present, its rim is missing leaving a jagged edge. The rear retains much of its solder supporting what remains of the brass front. The iron belt attachment loops are no longer present. The plate has no repairs.
Recovered: Charles City County, VA.
Approximate size: 56 mm. (smaller than typical diameter measurement due to missing rim)
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 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.
- Product Code:
- PC10337
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