U.S. BELT PLATE ID’D TO PRIVATE JAMES T. NICKERSON, CO. “A”, 20TH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY - WIA SPOTSYLVANIA, 5/12/1864

$450.00 SOLD

Quantity Available: None

Item Code: 1181-40

Standard 1839 “arrow hook” belt plate, w/ lead reverse backing. Circa late 19th century tag with period handwritten ID affixed to reverse: “James T. Nickerson /20th M.V.M.” Belt face exhibits medium copper patina, w/moderate knicks and light scratching. Reverse lead backing shows scratching. Brass arrow hooks and prong solid and tight.

A resident of Wareham, MA, James Nickerson was 19-year-old seaman who was mustered into Co. “A”, 20th MA Infantry, 2/20/1864. He was wounded at Spotsylvania, 5/12/1864, and mustered out 7/16/1865. Nickerson, born July 1844 in Plymouth, MA, died in Wareham, MA in 1923. He is buried there in Centre Cemetery. Three of his siblings also served in the Union Army – Frederick (1833-1915), in the 32nd Mass.; Simon (1846-1921), in the 24th Mass.; and Hiram (1826-1910), also in the 32nd Mass.

With the exception of the first Battle of Bull Run, the 20th Mass. participated most of the major battles of the Army of the Potomac, including the Seven Days Battles, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, the Siege of Petersburg and Appomattox Court House. At Gettysburg they were attached to Gibbon’s 2nd Corps 2nd Division, and were engaged at the “Angle during the repulse of “Pickett’s Charge.” They were called the “Harvard Regiment” due to the high percentage of Harvard graduates in their ranks. During service the unit lost 260 killed and mortally wounded and 148 by disease for a total of 408.

Solid collectible. Excellent plate from a soldier the 20th Mass., a regiment engaged at Gettysburg. Makes a fine companion piece to his brother Frederick Nickerson’s buckle (1138-40). Accompanied by research info. [jp/LD] [ph:L]

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