MAKER MARKED PATTERN 1826 EAGLE BREAST PLATE RECOVERED FROM 20TH CONNECTICUT CAMP – GAVIN COLLECTION

$235.00 SOLD

Quantity Available: None

Item Code: 601-535

Plate has a pleasing dark patina with light colored dirt in the low areas. This causes the darker raised areas to stand out nicely. The face has good detail and no dings or dents. The reverse has 100% of the lead fill and one of the two hooks. Lead fill is stamped W. H. SMITH BROOKLYN.” Marking is not deep but it is readable. The late Bill Gavin dug this plate in the camp of the 20th Connecticut on Loudoun Heights at Harper’s Ferry.

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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