Civil War Eagle Breast Plate Value Guide

The Civil War Eagle Breast Plate was a standard-issue decorative brass ornament worn on the cartridge box shoulder straps of Federal infantrymen. Featuring a spread eagle design based on the Great Seal of the United States, these plates are highly collectible symbols of Union military uniformity.

What affects the value of Civil War Eagle Breast Plate?

• Condition of the brass face, specifically the level of detail remaining in the eagle's feathers and shield.
• Presence and integrity of the original iron attachment loops on the reverse side.
• Provenance or documentation linking the plate to a specific Civil War battlefield or regiment.
• Overall structural stability, ensuring the lead backing is not crumbling or heavily oxidized.

How to Identify Civil War Eagle Breast Plate?

• Verify the circular stamped brass face featuring the iconic spread eagle design.
• Check for a heavy lead-filled back, which was used to provide weight and structural integrity.
• Look for two iron wire loops embedded in the lead backing used for attachment to the leather strap.
• Examine the patina for natural aging consistent with 1860s brass and excavated lead.

History of Civil War Eagle Breast Plate

These plates were standard issue for Federal infantrymen during the American Civil War. The eagle design, based on the Great Seal of the United States, was intended to provide a uniform and decorative appearance. While the plates added significant weight to a soldier's kit, they became iconic symbols of the Union Army and are frequently found at battlefield sites today.