These relics are from historically significant sites surrounding Harpers Ferry. Maryland and Loudon Heights overlook the town and were covered with artillery redoubts and camps throughout the Civil War. Halltown, WV was just west of Harpers Ferry and saw significant troop movements and camps through the area during the war. Mr. Gavin collected numerous relics from this entire region.

Included in this group is: a brass bayonet scabbard tip, M1826 Eagle Breast Plate (with note on back “Halltown, W.Va. Nov ’68 Crook’s Lines in Aug ‘[18]64”), large brass rosette[?], iron butt plate, 2 Eagle coat buttons, 1821 large cent, fired Spencer and Burnside cases, musket lock plate, half of watering bit, iron artillery or R.R. hammer, and 6 assorted bullets.

This group 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. [jet] [ph:L]

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