Brass photograph mat from the Gettysburg Campaign, Taneytown, MD

This is another interesting piece being offered, it is an excavated brass mat for a 1/4 plate photograph. It measures 3 ¼” x 4 ¼” with the oval cutout in the center – a scroll pattern is etched around the oval. This unusual relic was recovered at the camp of the 2nd Army Corps near Taneytown, Maryland.

During the Gettysburg Campaign, thousands of Union soldiers passed through nearby Taneytown to and from the battle. General George G. Meade arrived early on the morning of June 29th and established his headquarters on the Benjamin Shunk farm near town (see pictures). General Hancock's 2nd Corps passed through town and camped nearby.

Photographs were very important to the average Civil War soldier; it was their connection to loved ones back home. In my book “The Civil War Soldier – His Personal Items”, I go into more detail how they were cherished. I am sure the soldier who lost this one was devastated. Being brass, this part survived and is in nice condition, the image and case disintegrated over the years.