This is a M1859 officer’s pattern spur. It is similar to the so-called “Christmas spur” which has "PATENTED DECEMBER 24, 1861" stamped inside, but without that marking. Non-dug with patina, it is complete and unbroken with just a slight twist to the strap ends. Freely spinning rowel remains.

This may have been a relic of the Battle of Gettysburg as it was acquired from the collection in the local G.A.R. post. In 1867, Gettysburg Civil War veterans organized the “Corporal Johnston H. Skelly Post No. 9 of the G.A.R.” Named for a Gettysburg resident and member of Company F, 87th Pennsylvania Volunteers who had been mortally wounded at the Battle of Winchester on June 13, 1863. By 1880, membership had grown to the point that they needed to buy a Post home. The empty Methodist Church on East Middle Street seemed appropriate for their needs, and in March of 1880 the Post 9 trustees purchased it for $600. In more recent years, some of the items collected in the Post were sold to pay for renovations.  [jet] [ph:L]

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