This Federal belt plate is of the regulation 1839 pattern and was recovered in the Wilderness. The brass accoutrement’s face shows a clear “US” despite some light oxidation. The edge is in good condition with no dings.

Back has 100% lead fill with all hooks in place. Has the arrow style belt hooks.  Cloth tape on back with notation by early battlefield relic hunter, Bill Gavin, “WILDERNESS / EWELL’S REBEL / TRENCHES”.

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.  [jet] [ph:L]

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