Stamped brass plate with spread-winged eagle at center surrounded on top and sides by 13 stars and an oak leaf wreath along the bottom. The eagle is looking to its right and holding arrows in one claw and an olive branch in the other. The stars are five-pointed and are separated from the eagle by a thin border. Reverse has applied hooks and tongue which are also made of brass. Attached to the reverse is an old tape tag that reads “U183 U182 183J”.  With the plate is an old paper note that reads “U #183 MILITIA BUCKLE – STAMPED BRASS BELT PLATE 1840-1860 PERIOD-LIKE #32 IN GAVIN BOOK…”

This item is from the collection of, and was dug by, the late William G. "Bill" Gavin (1924 - 2010), who was one of the nation's most prominent and esteemed Civil War relic collectors. Following graduation from West Point [Class of 1946], Gavin became a pioneer in applying WWII mine-detector technology to relic hunting. Along the way, he became an avid historian whose collection, with its origins dating back to the 1930's, was enhanced by his acute knowledge of battlefield troop movements. His service to his country included six years in the U.S. Army, followed by a seven year period in which he was a member of the U.S. Army (Ready) Reserve. Mr. Gavin shared his Civil War knowledge via the publication of four books and several magazine articles. In 1963 he authored one of the earliest books on relic buckles (Accoutrement Plates North and South, 1861-65), and in the 1970s established the Rectory Museum in Harper's Ferry, while becoming owner of The Cliffside Inn. He was also the owner of Happy Retreat, the 18th century home of Charles Washington, youngest brother of George Washington, located in Charles Town, WV. The Horse Soldier joins the national Civil War community in mourning Bill Gavin's passing, and is proud to be able to offer items from his exceptional collection.

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