Burnside Eagle Breast Plate Attached to an Original Cartridge Box Shoulder Sling

Burnside Eagle Breast Plate Attached to an Original Cartridge Box Shoulder Sling – These smaller, Model 1826 pattern eagle plates, were named Burnside style as they have often been excavated in Gen. Burnside’s 9^th Corps camps; the plates were seemingly predominantly issued to Maine troops. We have had several dug Burnside plates, but this is the first non-dug example we have had; of additional significant interest is that this plate remains attached to its original cartridge box sling – both loops remain intact and are affixed to the sling via the original, leather attachment thong. The plate remains in good condition and exhibits a dark, smooth patina. The sling is also in good condition, with some “alligatoring”, although no flaking to the finish; on the back side of the sling are the inked initials of the original soldier owner – “DWC”. Both cartridge box roller buckle, attachment extensions are in overall good condition; one end has a small tear. Non-excavated Burnside plates are quite rare to find now and almost never found still affixed to their original box slings.

Diameter – 2.25”