Cast brass rectangular sword belt plate from the collection of the late Bill Gavin. This plate was found in 1940 by another relic hunter and purchased by Mr. Gavin.

The plate has a cross at center with a riband in an arc above it that reads “PHILADELPHIA COMMANDERY.” Flanking the cross at bottom are two raised areas one is stamped with a number “2” while the other is stamped with “K.T.”  Reverse has large tongue but it is missing the mounting bar for the belt. Scratched into the back is “SPOT. 1940.” There are also the remains of two tape tags, one of which reads “U210”.

Mr. Gavin’s collection notes originally with the item but now lost read, “U210, CAST BRASS WAIST BELT PLATE-MASONIC- PHILA COMMANDERY-FOUND AT SPOTSYLVANIA 1940-FROM SIMMONS COLLECTION.”  Originally sold as item 601-73. [AD/LD] [PH:L]

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.

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