PATTERN 1826 EAGLE BREAST PLATE FROM SPOTSYLVANIA GRAVE SITE – GAVIN COLLECTION

$350.00 SOLD

Quantity Available: None

Item Code: 601-168

The late Bill Gavin recovered this plate in 1953 in a grave on the Spotsylvania battlefield. From the size of the grave and the items found Mr. Gavin believed that it once held 5 Union soldiers. Of course, the remains had long since been moved to the National Cemetery. When bodies were removed for reburial many items were left behind. The burial parties were only interested in remains, not equipment.

This plate has a discolored face but all the details of the eagle can be made out. There are two areas of rust where the iron wire for the hooks on the back pushed through the front. One is at the eagle’s head and the other is by his claws. Reverse has no hooks but 100% of the lead-fill. The surface of this lead-fill is slightly pitted and has a brownish-white patina.

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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