Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Breastplate, Armor |
Catalog Number |
0985.13.00421 |
Description |
Body armor for right half of body. Made of sheet iron with a bent metal shoulder hanger. Left side of metal pierced by projectile. Piece of paper with inked inscription adhered near front center. |
Dimensions |
H-23 inches |
Event |
Battle of Malvern Hill |
Provenance |
This Federal breastplate was picked up by Mr. Nathaniel Burwell, of Glenvin, Clarke County, VA., in the rear of the Malvern House. Burwell found the breastplate at sunrise on the day after the battle of Malvern Hill, July 1, 1862. Steel vests were not standard issue during the Civil War, but were sold by private sutlers that followed the armies on their campaigns. However, the armor was heavy, hot, ineffective at close range, and likely to elicit ridicule or charges of cowardice from fellow soldiers. |
People |
Burwell, Nathaniel |
Search Terms |
Peninsula Campaign Seven Days Battles Battle of Malvern Hill found on battlefield items pierced by bullets |