U.S. BELT PLATE RECOVERED BY SYD KERKSIS IN JULY 1960 AT BLACKFORD’S FORD, MD

$450.00

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Item Code: 766-2046

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This plate was recovered by Syd Kerksis, one of the legendary early relic hunters and collectors, author of books on military belt plates and Civil War projectiles and comes with his original collection envelope indicating he found it at Blackford’s Ford, MD, in July 1960. The plate is the regulation 1839 pattern oval U.S. belt plate used throughout the Civil War, with the arrowhead hooks introduced in 1862 by some makers and in general use from 1863 on. It is in very good, excavated condition with a brownish gray patina with some white spots, a nice rim showing just one narrow ding at the top, and crisp lettering showing just a short ding or scratch at the midpoint of the S and to its right. The arrowhead studs and fastening hook are in place on the reverse. The lead solder fill is level, showing largely gray, with some light brown areas around the rim which shows small, shallow losses around the edge.

Blackford’s Ford on the Potomac, near Shepherdstown and just south Antietam, was the site of considerable activity during the war. Several picket “squabbles” took place there in 1861, but it saw more strategic uses several times later in the war. In 1862 Jackson crossed there heading north in the Antietam campaign and Lee later retreated across it, with Federal troops who crossed in pursuit being driven back across it. In 1863 Johnston’s Division and then Early’s crossed it on their way north the Gettysburg Campaign. In July 1864 Seigel retreated north across it, pursued by Gordon, and in August Early crossed it once more in his effort to strike at Washington, relieve pressure on Richmond and possibly strike the prison camp at Point Lookout.

This is a very nice plate with great provenance from the collection of one great early Civil War collectors.  [sr] [ph:m]

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