Very Rare! Original Confederate "CSA" Belt Plate, Columbia (SOLD)

This is a fantastic piece of Civil War history being offered, it is a Confederate thick Atlanta-style CSA plate. It is the rarer smaller version measuring 2 5/8” x 1 7/8”. There is a very slight curve from being worn as well as some faint file marks from when the plate was made. It was dug in Columbia, Tennessee from a position occupied by Confederate General John Bell Hood.

General Hood's Tennessee invasion in November,1864 at Columbia, was intended to be a Confederate diversion. As part of a maneuver designed to cross the Duck River upstream and disrupt the Union army's line of communications with Nashville. As Hood's army advanced northeastward from Florence, Alabama, Maj. Gen. John M. Schofield's force quickly withdrew from Pulaski to Columbia, arriving on November 24, just ahead of Brig. Gen. Nathan B. Forrest's Confederate cavalry.

On November 24, the Federals built two lines of earthworks south of the town while skirmishing with Confederate cavalry and again the following day. Hood advanced his infantry on the following day but did not assault. He made demonstrations along the front while marching two different corps of his army to Davis Ford, some 5 miles eastward on the Duck River.

Schofield correctly interpreted Hood's moves, but foul weather prevented him from crossing to the north bank before November 28, leaving Columbia to the Confederates. The next day, both armies marched north for Spring Hill. Schofield had slowed Hood's movement but had not stopped him.

The authenticity of this rare plate is guaranteed 100%. It was sold on July 3, 2000 by one of the most well-known dealers in Civil War artifacts, Larry Hicklen. In his COA he states that “… it was dug near Columbia, Tennessee from a position occupied by General Hood as he advanced on Franklin”. It is very difficult to find these smaller size CSA plates, especially in this condition with all its history and provenance. All paperwork will be included.