Civil War Union “US” belt plate, recovered at Gettysburg (SOLD)

This is a nice piece being offered; it is an excavated Union belt plate. It is the typical “US” buckle worn by just about all Union soldiers during the Civil War. As seen in the pictures, there is some slight rim loss on the edge. The reverse has the “puppy paw” attachment, with all three pieces remaining, along with all of the lead backing. This piece was recovered years ago just off Taneytown Road in Gettysburg (see map).

General Meade’s headquarters and the center of communications and administration for the Army of the Potomac were just to the east of Cemetery Ridge along Taneytown Road. This was no quiet rear area. During the artillery bombardment preceding Pickett’s Charge caused numerous casualties and forced the relocation of Meade’s Headquarters.

This is a beautiful looking buckle, having the original deep patina, never cleaned, and it is from the most horrific battle of the Civil War. It comes in the glass top display case pictured.