I need help with this relic...

[Holly Grissom]

Okay, my fiance and I have a medal it has the image of an eagle facing right, it has a phoenix type face. It's holding 3 Arrows on the left and an Olive Branch on the right. Upon research, it says it's a union buckle. But, ours seems to pre-date what's coming up. It has gold on the rim, and hidden D's throughout- put there by the designer, Dolittle. The others weighed 1lb, and ours weighs 77.88 grams, or roughly 2 ounces! We believe it has a connection with Dolittle, Benedict Arnold, and George Washington. It's thinner and different than others online. If anyone can point me to the right person to contact, or can help, please do. We appreciate any info. This one has us stumped...

 

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[creskol]

It looks like a Civil War Union eagle breastplate missing the loops on the back.

 

[Spats]

I just measured a Union breastplate or shoulder belt plate with missing wire loops. It is 2.5" or 64mm in diameter and weighs 111 grams or 3.9 oz. What is the diameter of your piece? If a shoulder belt plate, it should measure from 58 to 65mm.

 

[Fullstock]

It’s a Civil War or earlier Eagle Breast plate, no question. Did you dig it?

 

[smokeythecat]

They are right on the ID of a Union Breastplate. Well done.

 

[Reanm8er]

Welcome Holly, nice find!

 

[fyrffytr1]

Very nice. This is how it would have been worn. Please excuse my crude line drawing.

 

[smokeythecat]

Holly, that is a nice relic. I've been digging since the 1970's and have found maybe 4 or 5 EVER. Good job.

 

[ANTIQUARIAN]

Great looking CW breast plate find Holly... welcome to Tnet!

Dave

 

[gunsil]

What the devil do you mean by hidden Ds throughout?? All are correct here, CW era breast plate, not at all a rev war era item. These are quite cool relics even if not as old or with the associations you seem to wish.