MAINE “VMM” CARTRIDGE BOX PLATE FROM ORANGE, VIRGINIA

$495.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 1184-148

Shipping: Determined by Method & Location of buyer

To Order:
Call 717-334-0347,
Fax 717-334-5016, or E-mail

These plates, measuring 56 X 87mm, followed the standard U.S. 1839 version, but with VMM stamped in the rolled brass indicating Volunteer Militia of Maine. These were paired on equipment with the smaller 1839 pattern oval belt plates bearing the same initials. Both belt and box plates were made with variants that used no lead solder fill on the reverse, just enough solder to anchor the hooks or wire loops. This has enough lead solder on the back to indicate it was one of the filled plates, though essentially just the face remains. See O’Donnell and Campbell, Plates 556 to 559, for examples.

This was excavated in Orange, VA, where there were extensive Confederate camps in the winter of 1863-64 and was likely stripped off a captured cartridge box. It has a piece out on the top edge and a hairline diagonal crack running down from there on the face, but is stable. The remaining edge of the plate is good and the letters legible. It shows as a mix of brown and gray. The Volunteer Militia of Maine adopted that name in 1851, but O’Donnell and Campbell date these plates 1855 to 1861, after the 1855 adoption of a state button. The state organized ten regiments of volunteer militia for U.S. service in 1861, some or all of whom would have carried these plates into the field. [sr] [ph:L]

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

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

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS.

THANK YOU!

Inquire »

Inquire About MAINE “VMM” CARTRIDGE BOX PLATE FROM ORANGE, VIRGINIA

For inquiries, please email us at [email protected]

featured item

VIVID EYEWITNESS ACCOUNT OF THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG – LT. HENRY J. WALTZ, 93RD PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS

An eyewitness account of the Battle of Gettysburg written by Lt. Henry J. Waltz, Quartermaster, Co. I, 93rd Pennsylvania Volunteers. The ledger measures 12” x 7 ½”; covers are rough, some separation to interior binding near the front of the… (1194-04). Learn More »

Upcoming Events

28
Mar

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

Instagram