Civil War “US” Cartridge Box Plate, dug at Chancellorsville, VA in October, 1978

This is another interesting piece being offered, it is a Civil War Union Cartridge Box Plate. The back still has the lead remaining, the two iron attachment hooks are long gone, as with most dug examples These plates were worn on the outer flap of the leather cartridge box to keep the outer leather cover closed.

I recently acquired this plate from the digger, Jerry Everett. He told me that it was the first plate he recovered, back in October 1978 from the Chancellorsville, Virginia Battlefield. Unfortunately, it was in two pieces when he found it, but he did his best to glue it together. It was hit on the left side of the plate, but it wasn’t by him, and like that when found.

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. This is definitely not the best looking plate, but it is one that has definitely been in battle. It is a great piece of Civil War history from one of the most famous battles. Not sure what caused it to be split in half, it is anyone’s guess. It comes in the glass top display case pictured.