Officer's Belt Plate from Gettysburg Campaign, dug Emmitsburg, 1994 (SOLD)

This is another great piece being offered from the Gettysburg Campaign, it is an excavated, Model 1851, Officer pattern, solid cast brass Eagle sword belt plate. On this style officer’s plate, the wreath is integrally cast as part of the buckle and has the rarer wide attachment hook on the reverse. It was recovered by Robert Maddox in 1994 in a Union camp in Emmitsburg, Maryland – just outside of Gettysburg.

During the Gettysburg Campaign of 1863, Emmitsburg witnessed several cavalry engagements. Skirmishes developed in and outside of Emmitsburg at Fountain Dale, Monterey Pass, Fairfield, the Emmitsburg Road, Emmitsburg Station (south of Emmitsburg), and also at the Farmer’s Inn (west of Emmitsburg).

As part of the Pipe Creek Defensive Line, the Western Wing of the Army of the Potomac came into Emmitsburg on June 29th and stayed through July 2nd. Several military regiments encamped in Emmitsburg and stationed their supplies there during the battle of Gettysburg, many of the wounded were also brought to Emmitsburg.

This plate is a real beauty, with the original patina and just how it was dug. It also has the slight curve from being worn. This is an ex-Horse Soldier Gettysburg piece from one of their early catalogs. Their tag and the tag from Maddox will be included. It comes in the glass-top display case pictured and a signed and embossed Certificate of Authenticity.