Virginia Militia Breast Plate / SOLD

Virginia Militia Breast Plate - Inventory Number: CON 464 / SOLD

Virginia panel breast plate excavated in Berryville West Virginia. Measuring approximately 2” x 3” with scalloped recesses on border the plate possesses an earthen patina with dark brown low lights. The reverse retains the original open hasp on one side and the base for a swinging pin on the other. These plates are often found in images of Virginia soldiers, mounted on white cotton cross belts and recovered from Virginia camps and battlefields. About as close to a Confederate breastplate as there is!

The Battle of Berryville

Fought September 3 and September 4, 1864, in Clarke County, Virginia. It took place toward the end of the American Civil War. 

After taking control of Smithfield Summit on August 29, Union Maj. Gen.Philip H. Sheridan marched to Berryvillewith his 50,000 man Army of the Shenandoah. At the same time Confederate Lt. Gen. Jubal A. Early sent Maj. Gen. Joseph B. Kershaw's division east from Winchester to Berryville. At about 5:00 p.m., Kershaw attacked Colonel Joseph Thoburn's division of the Army of West Virginia, while they were preparing to go into camp. Kershaw routed Thoburn's left flank before the rest of the corps came to the rescue. Darkness ended the fighting, with both sides bringing in heavy reinforcements. The next morning, Early, seeing the strength of the Union's entrenched line, retreated behind Opequon Creek.  

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Inventory Number: CON 464 / SOLD