Original Civil War McClellan ID disc with religious and patriotic engraving (SOLD)

This is another nice piece being offered, it is an original Civil War identification disc. It has a diameter of 1 1/8” and on one side is a profile portrait of General George B. McClellan at center surrounded by text reading, "Major General Geo. B. McClellan / War of 1861".

Engraved in script on the reverse is “Through God / We Shall Do / Valiantly / 1861”. This is attributed to Psalm 60 of the King James Bible which means with God we will gain victory. In the bible it reads “Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies”.

Early in the conflict, in many instances it was referred to as “The War of 1861” instead of “The Civil War”. These discs were private purchases and it would have one side blank for engraving. When soldiers purchased these discs, usually from a camp sutler, they would have their name and unit engraved, this would be like today’s military “dog tags”.

Family members would also purchase these discs locally and would have them engraved with a religious quote or a patriotic statement. They would give them to a family member who was going off to war. There was a small hole in the disc so the soldier could wear it with a string or to pin on his clothing. The McClellan discs were the most popular with Union soldiers. Many have been recovered at campsites and battlefields (see pictures).

The example offered here is in very nice condition and both sides are still legible. It comes in the glass top display case pictured.