Civil War “USA” Intertwined Bridle Rosette, dug at Wyatt’s Crossing, MS

This is another nice piece being offered, it is an excavated bridle rosette with the raised intertwined letters "USA" and has a 2” diameter. It was dug in a Union camp at Wyatt's Crossing [Waterford] Mississippi, many years ago by Gene Ingram. This camp was way off the beaten path, and he was the first one to discover it.

There were skirmishes that took place in this area in 1862. General McPherson and General Logan commandeered a large Colonial residence that was owned by Joseph H. Hall and used it as a hospital.

An excavated example of this style rosette is illustrated in the Civil War relic reference book "Civil War Artifacts" by Howard Crouch. According to Crouch, there is some indication that these rosettes saw artillery usage. Another excavated example can be found in "Excavated Artifacts from Battlefields and Campsites of The Civil War" by Stanley S. Phillip.

This rosette has a great untouched patina due to the sandy soil it was recovered in.  it has about half of the lead remaining on the back in the center depressed portion. Out of all the Union rosettes, the USA examples are the most difficult to find, especially excavated specimens. It comes in the glass top display case pictured.