Pattern 1826 eagle breast plate in relic condition. The face has a dark patina with some light discoloration around the edges and in low areas. The face also has a wavy surface from there being no lead in the back to keep it rigid. Reverse has only blobs where the attachment hooks once were. The lead was melted out of the plate to be used by Rebels for casting bullets. Attached to the back is a tape label that reads “CAMP BARTOW.” This camp was a Confederate camp at Manassas, Virginia during the winter of 1861-1862. The plate was dug by the late Bill Gavin.

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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