Very nice 19^th Century wood shadow box that meas. approx. 10.50 inches long x 8.75 inches wide x 1.75 inches deep. The top edge of the box has a marbled finish to the wood with carved “V” shaped flowers on each corner. There is some light scratches and the corners are chipped. The lower left corner has a closed crack running both across the bottom and up the side. Each is about 4.00 inches long.

Displayed inside the box are two rusty nails, a white undershirt button, a brass or iron ring a General Service Eagle coat button and an oval Model 1839 US belt plate. All items are glued to a plain wood backing. The belt plate has a nice dark patina and some lighter discoloration from ground action. It has just a small bit of material missing from the edge under the letter “S.” The reverse has arrow hooks. The button and ring also have a dark patina and a good bit of rust is still attached to each nail. There are two glue spots to one side where an item has been removed. There is an old typed label across the bottom that reads “THESE RELICS FROM THE GRAVE OF A UNION SOLDIER KILLED AT SAVAGE’S STATION ON OR ABOUT JUNE 29^TH 1862.”

The reverse of the box has a wire for hanging and another hand written label that reads “PURCHASED IN GETTYSBURG ON JULY 5, 1980…” with an unreadable name signed beneath the inscription. Also on the label is:

1.)  2 COFFIN NAILS

2.)  ARROW HOOK BELT BUCKLE

3.)  COAT BUTTON

4.)  SHIRT OR DRAWERS BUTTON

5.)  PIECE OF SKELETON

The two glue spots mentioned above are from the “piece of skeleton” listed here. The fragment of bone was removed and buried by one of the former owners of this item. It should be explained that when graves were emptied after the war and the occupants removed to a permanent cemetery, many small bone fragments and other items remained behind and in later years were found by relic hunters. The previous owner of this piece acted responsibly by removing the fragment of bone and having it buried.

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