Relic Model 1839 US belt plate dug by the late Bill Gavin in the 5^th Corps lines at Spotsylvania in 1955. The plate has a nice face with a dark underlying patina with light colored discoloration that causes the letters to stand out. The plate is free from major dings, dents and scratches however the face has sunk around the fasteners on the back. It almost looks as if a vacuum was attached to the back of the plate and the areas not supported by the tongue and hooks on the back shifted. It is still a great looking plate.

Reverse has 95% of the lead fill with a small bit of loss at bottom right. Reverse also has both “puppy paw” style hooks and tongue. Also attached to the reverse is an old tape label that reads “SPOTSYLVANIA 5^TH CORPS- OCT 55.”

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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