A Relic of Sherman’s Bummers! This is a beautiful excavated Pattern 1839 Oval US Cartridge Box plate. These plates  would’ve been fastened to the front flap of the cartridge box that was issued to the enlisted men in the Union Army during the American Civil War! It has become the most iconic and most recognizable plates from that time period with its distinctive bold letters of “U.S.” stamped into the brass face. This plate still retains 100% of its original lead filled backing and both iron loops. It has a beautiful chocolate brown patina with white stains from the sandy soil it sat in for over 150 years! This plate was recovered from a Union Army camp in Cumberland County, NC, on the route of Sherman’s infamous march through the Carolinas! Here’s a wonderful opportunity to own the most iconic plate of the American Civil War!