Civil War US Cartridge Box Plate, dug at Fredericksburg, VA in 1990 (SOLD)

This is another nice piece being offered, it is a Civil War Union Cartridge Box Plate. The back still has the lead remaining, the two iron attachment hooks are long gone, as with most dug examples These plates were worn on the outer flap of the leather cartridge box.

Between 1990 and 1991, a commercial Trade Center was being built in Fredericksburg. This area was off Route 1, just slightly north of Artillery Ridge. This box plate was recovered during the construction, in the area where the Parker Store now stands.

On November 14, 1862, Union General Ambrose Burnside sent a corps to occupy the vicinity of Falmouth near Fredericksburg, Virginia. Lee reacted by entrenching his army on the heights behind the town. On December 13, after pontoon bridges were laid, Union forces crossed the Rappahannock River under fire.

Burnside mounted a series of futile frontal assaults on Prospect Hill and Marye's Heights that resulted in staggering casualties. On December 15, Burnside called off the offensive and recrossed the river, ending the failed campaign.

This is a very interesting box plate and so important to know when and exactly where it was recovered. It is in very nice condition for a dug plate. It comes in the glass top display case pictured.