Civil War “Bullseye” bridle rosette, recovered at Chancellorsville Battlefield

Being offered is a Civil War rosette which would adorn the sides of a horse bridle. This brass rosette has an approximate diameter of 1 3/4". This type of rosette is often referred to as a Bullseye rosette because of its shape; they are often associated with the artillery. This example would have had a lead back with an attachment device. It was recovered at the Chancellorsville, Virginia Battlefield.

The Battle of Chancellorsville, fought from April 30 to May 6, 1863, is widely considered to be Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee’s greatest victory during the Civil War. Facing an enemy force nearly twice the size of his own, Lee daringly split his troops in two, confronting and surprising Union Gen. Joseph Hooker. Though Hooker still held numerical superiority, he did not press this advantage, instead falling back to defensive positions.

When Lee once again split his forces and attacked, Hooker was forced to retreat across the Rappahannock River. Lee’s victory came at a high cost, however. Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson, one of his most trusted generals, was mortally wounded by friendly fire during the battle.

These types of rosettes are well documented in Civil War relic books. I have one pictured in my book "Battle of Gettysburg - The Relics, Artifacts & Souvenirs" (see pictures). The example offered here is just how it was dug and has a nicely aged patina to the brass.