Here is a beautiful, dug specimen of an original, two-piece Confederate 'Richmond-style' tongue and wreath plate recovered from the CS camps at Moss Neck in Virginia. Once part of the famed relic collection of Mr. William Gavin of Charlestown, WV, this desirable relic was found by Mr. Gavin in March 1953. This type of plate has been found only in the Virginia theater of war. The CS two-piece tongue and wreath buckle wears a very pleasing patina with a reddish tint overall. Unfortunately, the belt loop for the wreath section is missing and most likely discarded in the camp. Loop on the tongue is strong and fine.

Constructed in the sand-cast mold process, this attractive and highly desirable, brass, two-piece accouterment is in very good condition overall. Believed to have been made in Richmond, ca. 1861-1865, this sturdy contract plate bears a pronounced convex curve and both tongue and wreath pieces are well cast and formed. The letters C and S both have distinct and exaggerated serifs. Save for the loop, both tongue and wreath retain a very good shape with no dents, scratches or cracks. Back of tongue has a tapered 'step-up' contour that goes from the disc to the bar and is typical of Virginia style two piece CS plates.

A wonderful brass specimen, this waist buckle measures approximately 2¼" (tongue) x 1 7/8" (wreath). Entire plate displays a dark mellow, hard finish with reddish tint from the high percentage of copper in the metal alloy. No maker's mark is visible. Buckle is very similar to Plate 006 pictured in Steve E. Mullinax's reference book titled "Confederate Belt Buckles and Plates", page 10. This very handsome, Confederate government issue 'Richmond-style' two piece buckle is in great dug condition and would fit into any Confederate collection or military belt plate display.

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.