Item: Non-Excavated Federal Eagle Plate Manufacturer Marked "E. Gaylord".
Use: Eagle plates, also known as breast plates, shoulder belt plates, and cross belt plates, were displayed on the cross belt that held the soldier's cartridge box. The two loop type, such as this one, was 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: Excellent. Its brass face has a very pleasing even light brown patina with a highly detailed eagle, clutching arrows in its right talons and an olive branch in its left. The rear has a complete complement of solder with both iron belt attachment loops standing straight up. The manufacturer's mark of "E. GAYLORD" is complete and very clear, with every letter visible. Interestingly, the rear solder has two very slightly shallower areas just above and under part of the "E. GAYLORD" stamp and is may be the result of the pouring or cooling of the solder. The plate has no cracks, breaks, bends, or repairs.
Approximate diameter: 62 mm.
Approximate distance between loops at tips: 49 mm (about 2 inches).
Reference: A similar example of a "E. GAYLORD" marked eagle plate can be found in the following relic reference books:
Scans of the above noted reference book pages are included in the additional images.
Comments: This non-excavated "E. Gaylord" marked plate is an absolute beauty and will be an excellent addition to any Civil War period US cartridge box sling in need of an eagle plate with good solid loops or simply displayed in any Civil War plate or general collection.
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