Civil War Officers Eagle Sword Belt Plate, recovered in Henrico County, VA

This is another great piece being offered, it is an excavated Civil War Eagle Sword Belt Plate, measuring 2 ¾” x 2”. This is the style that was worn on the sword belt of many Civil War soldiers and officers (see period photo). The face has the spread-eagle in the center with the ray design around it. Originally, it would have an attached leaf on the sides of the eagle, but as with many of these dug examples, it is long gone. The reverse still has the tongue remaining. It was recovered in Henrico County, Virginia.

Many important Civil War battles were fought on Henrico soil, including the battles of Seven Pines, Savage’s Station, Glendale, Malvern Hill, Yellow Tavern, New Market Heights, and others in defense of Richmond.

In the northern part of the county at Brook Hill plantation, an earthen fort was constructed at the recommendation of General Robert E. Lee to guard Brook Turnpike (now U.S. Route 1), a major route into Richmond. To the east on Nine Mile Road, Lee made his headquarters at Dabbs House.

This unique relic still has its slight curve and remains very solid. It has been coated for preservation and comes in the glass top display case pictured.