Standard issue oval US belt plate. Face is dark and covered with knife marks. These go in every direction and some are very deep. There is also a very small hole at center just to the right of the “U.” This hole goes clear through to the back of the plate. Despite all the knife creases only one has broken through to the lead underneath. This is in the area of the upper left arm of the letter “U.” The back also has several knife marks but not as bad as the front. Both “puppy paw” style hooks are present but smashed down. Tongue is gone. Plate was dug by Bill Gavin in the 6^th Corps lines at Spotsylvania.

This item is from the collection of 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.