3247

4 CIVIL WAR EXCAVATED PLATES & HAT INSIGNIA.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:600.00 USD Estimated At:1,200.00 - 1,400.00 USD
4 CIVIL WAR EXCAVATED PLATES & HAT INSIGNIA.

1) BELT PLATE. A standard Yankee "puppy paw" style belt plate with a "US" in oval on the front and a lead filled back with 2 studs and a belt hook. This plate has the original leather backing oval intact that is reasonably clearly marked, "BOYD & SONS BOSTON". It is obviously difficult to find these excavated plates with the leather pads intact. This plate was excavated in Goochland, Virginia. CONDITION: excavated plate has a wonderful chocolate patina on the front and an oxidized lead patina on the reverse.
2) CROSSBELT PLATE. A standard Yankee crossbelt plate with an eagle clutching arrows and olive branches on the front of the circular plate. The reverse has 2 iron wire loops intact protruding from the lead filled back. This plate was excavated in New Kent County, Virginia with part of the original leather belt attached to the reverse. CONDITION: plate has a dark excavated patina on the front and a gray and white oxidized lead patina on the reverse.
3) ENGINEER HAT PLATE. This is a large format engineers hat plate measuring 3 3/8" x 2 1/4". It depicts a castle with 2 end turrets and a shorter central gateway turret. This type of insignia was worn on a variety of engineer's headgear during and before the Civil War. Interestingly, it was also worn by the Corps of Cadets at West Point. The reverse of the plate has the remains of 2 brass wires. This insignia was excavated at North Anna River, Virginia. CONDITION: plate has a dark, somewhat green excavated patina with traces of original gilding. Turrets are a bit bent.
4) CAVALRY. An excavated US Cavalry crossed sabers enlisted hat insignia. Insignia depicts 2 stylized crossed M1840 cavalry sabers. No wires on the reverse. This insignia was excavated at Petersburg, Virginia. CONDITION: insignia has a dark excavated patina but remains quite solid. (02-17730/BF). $1,200-1,400.