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     There are two styles of the CS “Egg”.  When viewed from the front, the two are virtually identical.  When viewed from the back they are easily distinguishable.  The back of the Army of Tennessee style utilizes telegraph wire bent into a three pronged wire frog and soldered directly to the back of the stamped plate.  The Tennessee style is generally found in post 1862 Army of Tennessee camps and battlefields.

     The plate shown here is the style issued to the Army of Northern Virginia.  The Army of Northern Virginia style also uses telegraph wire to form the belt hooks, but it has a lead filling to give the plate strength and to attach the wire frog to the plate.  Virginia “Egg” plates are found in early war Virginia camps and battlefields, thus the name “Virginia Style”. 

     This particular example has a specific Virginia history carved into its back.  The word “Manassas” and “March 2-th 1862” and the initials “SRS” are all lightly scratched into the lead fill of the back.  I am sure the number after the two is there also, but it is covered by glue that was used to mount the plate in an old time display case.  This glue can easily be removed.  There is also a collection number written on the reverse with white marking paint.

     Nearly always these plate have had the ends crumpled and have been straightened; this one has not.  It is in virtually perfect condition and has a beautiful rich patina.                                         

     A period belt is included at no charge.