Original Civil War “US” oval belt plate, dug at Fredericksburg, VA Battlefield

This is another nice piece being offered, it is a Civil War “US” Belt Plate. The reverse has the “puppy paw” studs and hook remaining.  There is a pie-shaped piece cut out by the soldier - he probably melted the lead to get this piece he eeded. It was dug years ago from the Fredericksburg Virginia Battlefield.

On November 14, 1862, Union General Ambrose Burnside sent a Corp 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 unique buckle has an overall untouched patina and remains solid. Soldiers were always creative when they needed something and perhaps that explains the cutout.  It comes in the glass top display case pictured.