This Federal rectangular eagle / wreath waist belt plate with its keeper is a typical Model 1851 officer’s early war specimen that is verbally identified to William S. Stevens of the 3^rd Massachusetts Cavalry. Once part of the renowned Bill Gavin Collection, this officer belt plate is in very fine overall condition. William S. Stevens was a twenty-three year old clerk from South Boston, when he enlisted on August 18, 1862 as a First Sergeant. He mustered into Co D, 3^rd Mass Cavalry on Sep 6, 1862 and served with the regiment until discharged on August 24, 1865. Stevens rose in the ranks and was promoted to Sergeant Major on 1 May 1863, then to 2^nd Lieutenant on August 13, 1863, and to 1^st Lieutenant on August 7, 1865. Stevens served with the 3^rd in its battle engagements in the Red River Campaign, the Shenandoah Valley at Winchester, Cedar Creek, and Fisher’s Hill. He served on other scouting duties for Sheridan until April 20 when the regiment went west with Sheridan to Kansas and Nebraska and finally mustered out at Fort Leavenworth on Sep 28, 1865.

Included is a small handwritten note from Mr. Gavin with the background on his plate as follows “U117 / Buckle, Union, 2 piece / US Army Officers with “US”. / Worn by Capt. Wm. S. Stevens / of the 3^rd Mass. Cavalry / Regiment in the Civil / War. I have seen another of this type in the Fred Peterman (MD) collection / of Civil War relics. / Value $10.00 March 1953 / Value $25.00 1965.”

The convex-shaped brass device measures 50 x 82 mm and was defined in U.S. General Order # 31 as being constructed of gilt cast brass with an integral spread-winged eagle and laurel wreath motif on the face. An applied broad brass tongue is on the reverse. Specimen has a fine stippled background and features the bold motif of the spreadwinged eagle with a shield on his breast gripping an olive branch with its right talon and holding three arrows in the left talon. Overall wear is at a minimum as the plate still exhibits sharp edges about the feathers and laurel wreath. Protruding areas such as the surface on the shield device and the main ribs of the wings exhibit even wear from use. Letters in the national motto are lightly worn. A single row of eight 5-pointed stars sits above the motto and show even wear. Plate and its keeper have the benchmark “IXXX”. Plate belt loop is strong where it joins the plate body, not bent. The face of this plate has acquired a pleasing, rich, mellow bronze patina overall. No maker’s mark is visible on the back. This original ID’d Federal officer’s rectangular brass sword belt plate with its keeper is an honest specimen from the Civil War and would make a fine addition to any military artifact collection.

This item is from the collection of the late William G. "Bill" Gavin (1924 - 2010), who was one of the nation's most prominent and esteemed Civil War relic collectors. Following graduation from West Point [Class of 1946], Gavin became a pioneer in applying WWII mine-detector technology to relic hunting. Along the way, he became an avid historian whose collection, with its origins dating back to the 1930's, was enhanced by his acute knowledge of battlefield troop movements. His service to his country included six years in the U.S. Army, followed by a seven year period in which he was a member of the U.S. Army (Ready) Reserve.Mr. Gavin shared his Civil War knowledge via the publication of four books and several magazine articles. In 1963 he authored one of the earliest books on relic buckles (Accoutrement Plates North and South, 1861-65), and in the 1970s established the Rectory Museum in Harper's Ferry, while becoming owner of The Cliffside Inn. He was also the owner of Happy Retreat, the 18th century home of Charles Washington, youngest brother of George Washington, located in Charles Town, WV. The Horse Soldier joins the national Civil War community in mourning Bill Gavin's passing, and is proud to be able to offer items from his exceptional collection.

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