Eagle Plate - Stamped "BOYD & SONS / BOSTON"

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Item: Eagle Plate - Stamped "BOYD & SONS / BOSTON"
Description: Raised eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch in its talons on a plain field.
Use: Federal. Eagle plates, also known as breast plates, shoulder belt plates, and cross belt plates, were attached to the cross-belt sling that supported the soldier's cartridge box. Examples 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: Stamped thin sheet brass with solder fill and iron wire loops.
Condition: Excellent, non-excavated. Its brass face, with its well-defined eagle, has a dull brass patina. The rear solder is complete with both iron attachment loops present, solid, and nearly straight up. Visible on the rear is the military accoutrement contactor's stamp of "BOYD & SONS / BOSTON" with every letter visible. Minor rim denting present. The plate has no cracks, breaks, bends, or repairs. 
Approximate diameter: 63 mm.
Reference: Similar, but not exact, examples of a "BOYD & SONS / BOSTON" 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 286, Plate 455. (*See Comments section below) 
  • "Plates and Buckles of the American Military 1795-1874", by Sydney C. Kerksis on page 512.

See above pages in the additional images.

Comments: *The NCO (non-commissioned officer) plate used as a reference in the above-mentioned O'Donnell and Campbell's buckle reference book, has three hooks instead of two loops found on the plate offered in this listing. This was intentionally done because it not only shows the correct Boyd stamp, but also is the correct die stamp for the eagle. This contractor marked eagle plate will be an excellent addition to any excavated Civil War plate or general relic collection.

Product Code:
PC2088
This brand is available for:
EAGLE PLATES , NEW ITEMS , ALL PLATES , FEDERAL RELICS , MAKER MARKED PLATES

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