This cut down relic of a Federal regulation M1826 eagle breast plate was recovered from a Confederate winter camp called ‘Santee’ in Virginia by renowned relic hunter Bill Gavin. The brass portion recovered is the stamped sheet cutout of the eagle itself. All lead backing and the excess brass sheeting around the eagle has been cut away and lost. Eagle retains its raised head, spread wings, talons, and arrows easily visible. Plate measures a diameter of 2 1/8” wide and 1 7/8” high. Piece is good excavated condition with just a slight thumb depression at the center. Constructed in the die-struck and rolled brass method, the brass accoutrement’s face has a spread-winged eagle looking to his left while holding three arrows in this right talon and an olive branch in his left. Relic surface has acquired a dark brown patina. An interesting artifact from the Battle of Antietam.

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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