RARE - Civil War Artillery Limber Lock with brass cover marked “US”, dug years ago at the Antietam Battlefield

Being offered is a “US” marked padlock. It measures 2 ½” x 3 1/2” x ¾” and on the swivel brass keyhole cover is “US”. These locks would have been used in securing ammunition crates on the limber (see pictures). It was recovered many years ago from the Antietam  Battlefield.

The Battle of Antietam, also known as the Battle of Sharpsburg, particularly in the South, was fought on September 17, 1862. This was the first major battle in the Civil War to take place on Union soil. It is the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, with a combined tally of dead, wounded, and missing at 22,717.

I have had a couple of the “US” marked keyhole covers in the past, but this is the first time I came across, or even seen, a complete lock. It remains a very solid piece and has been coated for preservation.