GROUP OF IMAGES AND POST-WAR LADDER BADGE ID’D TO A PENNSYLVANIA SOLDIER MORTALLY WOUNDED AT GETTYSBURG - PVT. GEORGE OSMAN, 148TH PA INFANTRY

$1,450.00 SOLD
Originally $1,650.00

Quantity Available: None

Item Code: P12878

This unique collection of images was the property of Private George Osman of the 148th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. The four-piece grouping of original artifacts include a wartime, quarter-size, full-cased tintype of Osman, a cased sixth plate-size ambrotype of two unidentified women, a full-cased image of an unidentified young man, together with a post war silver ladder badge of the 148th Pennsylvania Volunteers.

On August 27, 1862, George Osman, a resident of State College, PA, mustered into Company "C" as a Private for three years. His service came to an abrupt end when he was mortally wounded in action on July 2, 1863 at Gettysburg. Osman died of his wounds two days later on July 4, 1863, and is buried in the Pennsylvania plot of Gettysburg's Soldiers National Cemetery. On September 11, 1889 the dedication ceremony was held for the monument to the 148th Pennsylvania which stands in the southwestern corner of the Wheatfield. The unit saw action in the Wheatfield on July 2, when as part of Cross' 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 2nd Corps, they advanced into the open field in the middle phase of the fighting, moving forward only to encounter portions of Anderson's Confederates at the southern out of the field. The 148th was eventually forced back by the final Confederate attacks on that part of the battlefield.

In his dedication address, Major R. H. Forster mentions the circumstances under which Osman received his wounds: "The Second Corps then changed position to the line along Cemetery Ridge, and facing to the west, confronted the Confederate position along the opposite ridge. The First Division held the left of the Second Corps line, the First Brigade on the left of the division…the One hundred and forth-eight was…massed into two lines because it was about double the size of either of the other two regiments in front [61st New York & 81st Pennsylvania]…..the early part of that memorable day was passing in comparative quietude….But here our first casualty occurred. A shell, fired from the opposite ridge, exploded over the regiment, and private George Osman, of Company C, was the first soldier of the One hundred and forty-eighth killed upon the field of Gettysburg."

The quarter-size tintype shows a chin-bearded young Osman standing in front of a studio backdrop in uniform. He wears a forage cap, nine button frock coat, waist belt with buckle, and light-colored trousers. In his left hand he holds a musket at his left side while his right hand is raised and possibly in motion at the time of the photo as it is slightly blurred. Tintype rests behind glass and an oval brass mat with a brass protector. Inside case is ID'd with a handwritten pencil note that reads "George Osman / Aug 27th 1862 / Co G / 148th regt, PA / Harrisburg / killed at Gettysburg". The company designation may also indicate a letter "C" and its full paper case is completely separated. The sixth plate-size, full-case ambrotype image shows two seated women in period dark dress. Both have their arms folded and both are unsmiling. Image is good with just slight edge distortion over the heads. Set behind glass with a decorative brass mat and brass protector. Women not identified. Paper case is also complete separated. Third image is a 9th plate-size, full-case, ruby ambrotype image of an unidentified young man in civilian clothes who could well be Osman, since there is a strong physical resemblance. Image is behind glass and set in an oval brass mat with a brass protector. Image has areas of slight abrasions and scratches to the left and upper edge of ambroytpe. Case is also separated.

The unmarked, four-piece, suspension ladder badge is of post war manufacture. All four silver bars have decorative, jeweler edging. Top bar shows "CO. G." and suspends the next bar which reads "148". Third bar has "PENN." and suspends the fourth bar "VOL. INF." Suspended from the last bar is a small drop in the form of a tasseled knot of gold bullion. This assembly of personal momentos from a Pennsylvania Civil War soldier makes a fine, ready-made collection that calls for additional research.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS,

CLICK ON ‘CONTACT US’ AT THE TOP OF ANY PAGE ON THE SITE,

THEN ON ‘LAYAWAY POLICY’.

THANK YOU!

Inquire About GROUP OF IMAGES AND POST-WAR LADDER BADGE ID’D TO A PENNSYLVANIA SOLDIER MORTALLY WOUNDED AT GETTYSBURG - PVT. GEORGE OSMAN, 148TH PA INFANTRY

For inquiries, please email us at [email protected]

featured item

HIGH GRADE US M1840 MEDICAL STAFF OFFICER’S SWORD

Overall length: 38 1/4". Blade length: 30 1/2". Blade is etched over half its length with foliate, military & patriotic motifs, including a 6 1/2" panel that reads “United States Medical Staff”. Gilded brass hilt with shield languets. The… (1081-22). Learn More »

Upcoming Events

29
Mar

April 13-14: Spring Gettysburg Military Antiques Show Learn More »

Instagram