Historically Significant “Bullet Proof Vest” Plates / SOLD

Historically Significant “Bullet Proof Vest” Plates - Inventory Number: MIS 245 / SOLD 

From a Grave at the Bloody Angle

Though not official military issue, bulletproof vests and breastplates were purchased by individual soldiers from peddlers who traveled from camp to camp in northern Virginia selling various types of armor. They could also be ordered by mail, and a Harper's Weekly advertisement for "The Soldiers' Bullet Proof Vest" made some bold claims: "Has been repeatedly and thoroughly tested with Pistol Bullets at 10 paces, Rifle Bullets at 40 rods, by many Army Officers, and is approved and worn by them. It is simple, light, and is a true economy of life—it will save thousands."

In reality, sheet-iron breastplates, like the one shown here, and "The Soldiers' Bullet Proof Vest," which was made of cast iron, proved of little value in battle as they were heavy, awkward, and largely ineffective. Those who wore them were also subject to ridicule by their unprotected comrades. But soldiers found other uses for these sturdy plates—as shovels or frying pans.

These two historic examples were accompanied by an original museum tag from the late 1800s which states:

“Steel breast plates these plates were worn under the clothing by soldiers in the Civil War. They were plowed up in an open field at angle Spotsylvania CO. VA. (13 miles from Fredericksburg, VA.) many human bones were found with the plates and it is said that many of the dead heroes, we’re buried under a few shovels of earth. It is said that these plates were used at the battle of Sharpsburg also. Note. The plate with two bullet dents in the front and the one at the top which evidently came in from the rear and tore through the soldier shoulder as he turned for retreat. Where this was found, there are large pine trees cut down by the bullets from musket fire.”

Inventory Number: MIS 245 / SOLD