Eagle Breast Plate

Civil War Eagle Breast Plate. Click picture for details.

Civil War Cartridge Box Belt Plate. It has a 2 ½” diameter and is made of brass with a lead backing. A small leather strip would be used to slide through the two eyes on the back to secure the plate to the belt. Remnants of the eyes remain. Commonly known as “Eagle Plates” or “Breast Plates”, they were worn on the leather strap in an area which was right over the heart. Many Union soldiers felt that this made an excellent target for the rebs. This plate was recovered on private property in southern Alabama, which seen quite a bit of action towards the end of the war. This plate has a beautiful face with the chocolate patina and has a light varnish coating for preservation. The reverse still has most of the lead present.