Pair of original Civil War Artillery Intertwined “USA” Rosettes

Being offered is an original pair of Civil War Artillery Rosettes. They are non-excavated with the raised intertwined letters "USA". They are made of brass and have a 2” diameter each. Each one still has the firmly attached attachment loop on the reverse.

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 (see pictures). Another excavated example can be found in "Excavated Artifacts from Battlefields and Campsites of The Civil War" by Stanley S. Phillip (see pictures). There is also a complete bridle with this type of rosette in “Arms and Equipment of the Union” (see pictures).

These rosettes have a beautiful untouched patina and are not surplus pieces but definitely used during the War. I have had single dug examples of these rosettes in the past, but this is the first non-dug set I had, and the nicest I’ve seen – really museum quality.  Out of all the Union rosettes, the USA examples are the most difficult to find, especially in this condition. They come in the deep glass top display case pictured.