Military breast plate ?? Trunk(furniture)plate ?

[Gregg3131]

So I now join the group of one of the more debated relics ID’s . I have seen this posted several times and have heard them identified from everything from military breast plates to a trunk plate and even horse tack . I favored the trunk plate theory and actually right next to this was a handle for a trunk I believe. However still holding out hope perhaps it’s a military plate ? What’s the latest consensus on these ? Also seems like there may be writing on this but likely it may just be normal wear and I’m just seeing things ? It’s 4 inches by 3 inches Thoughts ?

 

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[DCMatt]

These have been debated for some time. I am not aware of a definitive answer to what they are.

I have one found just south of Petersburg. Though mine is smaller. About half the size of yours.

Here's a thread about them from 10 years ago.

http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/revolutionary-war/229566-trunk-plates-time-re-examine.html

I wondered if they were bling from horse blinders/blinkers. It is interesting that yours is hand etched.

 

[ticndig]

I have one too , recovered in Fredericksburg Va .

 

[CRUSADER]

If I found in the UK I would say horse blinkers. They are the same size, often have initials on them, but the attachments are somewhat different. I can't rule out a trunk plate but I'm not in the military related camp!

 

[ARC]

 

[smokeythecat]

The one I dug at a colonial site perfectly fits a standard 2" belt.

 

[ARC]

The one I dug at a colonial site perfectly fits a standard 2" belt.

That's because it is. IMO

Shoulder belt plate.

 

[Dug]

There is a definite design on it. If you lightly clean it with a soft toothbrush, then put some mineral oil on it and wipe dry you might be able to better read the design if you hold it at angle to some light.

 

[CRUSADER]

Horse (8472.co.uk)
Scroll down to see similar.
I've had a few with the horse owners initials on it & that's what those scrolly letters are.

 

[Dug]

Horse (8472.co.uk)
Scroll down to see similar.
I've had a few with the horse owners initials on it & that's what those scrolly letters are.

Pretty cool link!

 

[ARC]

That's because it is. IMO

Shoulder belt plate.

...

 

[Gregg3131]

Thx all

 

[GaRebel1861]

I dug one at a colonial site in Coastal Georgia.