The face of this plate has a dark patina with some discoloration caused by ground action. The discoloration is mostly around the edges. The detail on the face and edges is still very good. There is a slight dent in the area above the letter “S” where the plate was hit by the shovel. This dent is barely perceptible. Reverse has 95% lead fill with a small area of loss near the dent and along one edge. Both attachment loops are present but rusted. Reverse also has tape label that reads “CAMP BARTOW AREA 62.”

This item is from the collection of, and was dug by, 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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