Excavated U.S. Eagle Breast Plate with Three .44 Caliber Bullets

Description

Excavated U.S. Eagle Breast Plate with Three .44 Caliber Bullets

Recovered at the Battle of Todd’s Tavern – May 7–8, 1864

 

A beautiful excavated Federal eagle breast plate, recovered from the grounds of the Battle of Todd’s Tavern, one of the fiercest cavalry engagements of the 1864 Overland Campaign. This example retains both original iron loops, an increasingly scarce feature among battlefield-dug plates. The face shows a handsome untouched chocolate-brown patina with crisp detail to the eagle, shield, arrows, and olive branch.

 

Included with the plate are three excavated .44 caliber revolver bullets, classic Colt Army–style projectiles, also recovered at Todd’s Tavern. These rounds are typical of dismounted cavalry action and close-range fighting that characterized the clash between Sheridan’s Federal troopers and Stuart’s Confederate cavalry.

 

The Battle of Todd’s Tavern (May 7–8, 1864) marked a crucial transitional fight during Grant’s Overland push toward Spotsylvania Court House. Todd’s Tavern saw hours of intense mounted and dismounted skirmishing, rapid movement, pistol fire, and hand-to-hand fighting. The presence of both a breast plate and revolver rounds reflects the types of equipment dropped during cavalry melees in this sector.

 

Todd’s Tavern artifacts are seldom encountered on the market, and paired finds—particularly with a breast plate retaining both loops—are especially desirable. This grouping displays beautifully and represents a strong addition to any collection

 

Comes housed in 6 x 8 riker display case with blue velvet and descriptive card.

 

Inventory Number:  REL 136