These round eagle breast plates were introduced in the army in 1826 and originally fastened the shoulder belt for the bayonet. When the bayonets were shifted to wear on the waist belt in the 1840s the plates became static plates for wear on the cartridge box shoulder sling.

This is an excavated “relic” specimen, the face remains nice, showing a very smooth surface from much polishing, while the brown patina is even and smooth. There is an old crease on the left edge. Probably 99% of the lead fill on reverse remains as does one of the two iron loops. Of special interest is an “MA” stamp at bottom center indicating ownership by the state of Massachusetts. The plate could date as early as the Mexican War, but O’Donnell and Campbell note that although obsolete by U.S. standards by 1857, several states, including Massachusetts ordered them as late as 1862.

Reported to have been recovered at Antietam.  [jet][ph:L]

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