Breast plate or something else

[fever87]

SCROLL TO BOTTOM FOR NEW PICS

This is about the same diameter as an eagle breast plate but is definitely not an eagle. The rest of the plate is rolled underneath but in such a way that I can't tell. Any ideas? Found in SE VA in area with lots of troop activity. So it may or may not be to that period.

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

A History of Mining on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska - Grab it through Amazon!

[confederate83]

This is about the same diameter as an eagle breast plate but is definitely not an eagle. The rest of the plate is rolled underneath but in such a way that I can't tell. Any ideas? Found in SE VA in area with lots of troop activity. So it may or may not be to that period.

<img src="http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=932893"/>

I see where it does resemble a breast plate but its not right I'm not sure it is one

 

[fever87]

I see where it does resemble a breast plate but its not right I'm not sure it is one

I know what you're saying. It is the same diameter but the image doesn't match anything in the Kerksis, O'Donnell or Mullinax books. I'm stumped.

 

[smokeythecat]

I can't tell. Is that a palm tree? South Carolina used palm trees on their buttons and plates.

 

[creskol]

What's on the other side?

 

[confederate83]

I can't tell. Is that a palm tree? South Carolina used palm trees on their buttons and plates.

No that's not quite right either

 

[fever87]

What's on the other side?

I can't make out any detail to add.

 

[confederate83]

<img src="http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=932988"/><img src="http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=932989"/>

I can't make out any detail to add.

Hmmm where did you find it

 

[fever87]

Hmmm where did you find it

Near Suffolk, VA

 

[smokeythecat]

There are pros out there who can probably straighten it out. Don't try it at home or the brass will crumble.

 

[fever87]

Perhaps an ultra rare Confederate SEAL team breast plate?

 

[fever87]

I attempted to heat the folded area to unfold and only managed to burned my finger tips. Stupid is as stupid does!

 

[confederate83]

Just be gentle with it if you feel it start to break stop

 

[bofusmosby]

Over the years I have learned that if I find something like this, the only time I will try to straighten it is when it first is dug. The pitina will actually crystalize when exposed to the air, and afterwards, it will crack. There are those that can accomplish this task though. I had a friend (many years ago) that had found a really nice breast plate, but was bent and folded. He took it to someone who specialized in metal work, and was able to straight it and unfold it without cracking. This thing you have found might be a piece of junk, but my gut feeling it that this is something other than junk. Do NOT attempt to straighten this yourself. It would be wise to invest in someone who can do this for you without destroying it. I believe that what you have found could be quite valuable.

 

[BuckleBoy]

No clue what that is. I spent a long time in O'Donnell's book trying to find a match with no luck. It would be worth the money to have that professionally straightened to see if there are any other clues. Does it appear to have been lead filled?

 

[fever87]

No clue what that is. I spent a long time in O'Donnell's book trying to find a match with no luck. It would be worth the money to have that professionally straightened to see if there are any other clues. Does it appear to have been lead filled?

The outer edge of the back has a lip as if to hold in lead (as do eagle breast plates). Everything points to a plate, except that is for the design. I may just have to go the pro route and get it restored.

 

[BuckleBoy]

The outer edge of the back has a lip as if to hold in lead (as do eagle breast plates). Everything points to a plate, except that is for the design. I may just have to go the pro route and get it restored.

Go the pro route. Get it professionally unfolded. You won't regret it if it's rare. But you will regret it if you try to do it yourself and it's a rare piece.

I'd love to see a photo posted once you get it back from restoration.

Cheers,

Buck

 

[fever87]

So here is what it looks like unfolded. As I said initially, the brass is thick so I'm leaning away from fruit lid and what is with it being domed Any further guesses? Could it be a Martingale or rosette?

 

[Silver Worm]

I can't tell. Is that a palm tree? South Carolina used palm trees on their buttons and plates.

Wouldn't that be Palmetto instead of palm? Just saying.

 

[SCDigginWithAK]

I think the pic is upside down. I believe the leaves should be on the bottom. It looks like a flower or fruit