Civil War Brass Eagle

[EC.Mason]

My buddy and I went out detecting an very old house seat this weekend here in Eastern Kentucky. Found this brass eagle. I looked it up and it says its from the Civil War, but that sounds almost too good to be true. I would really appreciate any help in identifying what it is exactly. Below are pictures of it front and back. Thanks!

 

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[kuger]

Yep that is a DANDY too.Breast plate!!!Post it in the Whats it column,and you will get a lot more attention!!That is a stunning example!!!!!!!Well done!!!

Image Search Results for civil war breast plate

 

[EC.Mason]

Thanks Kuger! I was really hoping to hear that. We were not there 20 minutes when I found it. We are going back this evening, so hopefully there are some more goodies hiding in the dirt.

 

[kuger]

You will do well there....it is obviously virgin!!!!!!

 

[Thommy]

Actually, what you have is BETTER than a breastplate. It's an NCO's Sword belt plate! I can tell by the three-pronged attachment on the back. Congratulations, that's fine Civil War artifact!

 

[EC.Mason]

Thanks Thommy. Someone said it may be an earlier breast plate, but both it and the sword loop have the three prongs. Is there a way to know for sure?

 

[EC.Mason]

Went back to the site where I found the Brass Eagle. One says "BIG 3 Cincinnati," which Im sure is not extremely old. Another says "AJ Town Co. Boston," which I read on here says was made between the 1870s and around 1946. The other button I cant make out. Seems like there is something on it but cant tell what.

 

[JmCraz8]

Beautiful breast plate!!!

 

[EC.Mason]

Thanks JM. I appreciate it.

 

[Thommy]

NCO plate image:

Enlisted Breast plate: