Union Breast Plate skin dug 2nd Corp camp Taneytown, Maryland

This is another interesting piece being offered, it is an excavated brass Union Breast Plate. For some reason, the soldier removed the lead backing and folded it in half. This unusual relic was recovered at the camp of the Union 2nd Corp 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.

Many soldiers removed these breast plates, thinking that they would act as targets for the enemy. With this one, the soldier melted off the lead backing and then folded it for some reason (probably just bored). Being brass, this part survived and is in nice condition, possibly it could be gently straightened out. Comes in the glass top display case pictured.