Bullet-Struck U.S. Eagle Breast Plate – Battle of Gettysburg / SOLD

Description

Bullet-Struck U.S. Eagle Breast Plate

Non-commissioned Officer’s Example

Battle of Gettysburg

Exceptional example of the Civil War Noncommissioned Officers U.S. eagle breast plate, struck by a bullet during service use. This example came from a collection of plates we are offering which were recovered from Gettysburg, this example unfortunately did not have a recovery label like the others. This regulation non-commissioned officer’s pattern originally featured three iron attachment loops on the lead-filled back—two for suspension and one stabilizing stud—all of which show remnants of corrosion on the lead fill. The brass face displays the bold Federal eagle clutching arrows and olive branch in high relief, with a distinct impact deformation along the lower rim where a malleable lead bullet clearly struck and flattened, creating a characteristic inward dent and ripple without fragmentary tearing. The back retains a good portion of the lead fill, now varnished to stabilize and preserve the surface, with expected minor perimeter loss. The strike pattern and metallurgical distortion indicate contact by a small-arms projectile rather than shrapnel or plow damage, giving this relic evidence of being struck in battle. A historic and powerful example symbolizing the personal risk borne by soldiers in the field. Very few authentic breast plates display actual tangible combat evidence while remaining structurally sound and attractive. In a market fraught with fake struck plates, it is a rare occasion to get a nice unquestionably real example.

Inventory Number: GET 535