Eagle Breast Plate

Civil War Eagle Breast Plate. Click picture for details.

Civil War Eagle Breast Plate. It was worn on the leather strap of the Cartridge Box. Because of the location of the plate, which was over the heart, many soldiers discarded them feeling that they made a good target when fired on by the Confederates. The diameter is a little over 2” and there is some loss to rim around the eagle, but the plate has the full lead in the back. The face has a beautiful, uncleaned, greenish patina to the brass. This plate was recovered on private property at Harrison’s Landing, Virginia. This plate is very solid and has been slightly coated with a varnish for preservation.