Civil War Union Eagle Breast Plate, recovered at Wolf Run Shoals, Virginia

This is another very nice piece being offered; it is a Civil War Union Eagle Breast Plate. They would be worn on the leather strap of the Cartridge Box (see pictures). Being they were positioned in the center of a soldier’s chest, many soldiers felt it was a target, so they discarded them.

On the back of this plate, all of the lead is still present, along with the two iron attachment hooks, (most dug examples they are missing). It was recovered at Wolf Run Shoals, Virginia.  

This area was the site of multiple Civil War crossings by both Union and Confederate forces. Confederate General Wade Hampton's regiments encamped and picketed on the south side during the winter of 1861-2 until March 1863, while the Army of the Potomac's Second, Twelfth, and Sixth Corps forded north here in June 1863 in route to what became the Battle of Gettysburg. Shortly thereafter, Confederate General JEB Stuart's Army of Northern Virginia cavalry also crossed when the 2nd Vermont Brigade withdrew on orders and left the ford unguarded.

Over the years I had numerous breast plates, both dug and non-dug, but this one is a real standout. It has a fantastic, untouched patina to the face, even traces of the original dirt. The back is nearly perfect and still having the original hooks. It comes in the glass top display case pictured.