Here we have a very beautiful Civil War veteran’s GAR medal inexcellent condition. Both the eagle suspender and the star planchet are complete with virtually all of the original bronze finish. The piece is extremely well struck and exhibits very fine detail through out. The star is nicely numbered “ B 83521” on the arm. The original American flag ribbon remains in strong, solid condition with vivid colors. The pin assembly on the reverse side of the eagle suspender is complete and fully functional. A very attractive example almost never found in this condition.

Here we have a very nice Civil War U.S. Belt buckle with arrow hooks that remains in beautiful non-dug condition. The shape is the classic “football” style. This plate retains 100% of the lead filling on the reverse side. The lead has turned a nice dark gray color and is completely without damage. All hooks are intact and without damage as well. The face of the plate has a very attractive overall mellow age patina. A very attractive Civil War belt plate.

009 - CIVIL WAR GARDNER EXPLOSIVE BULLET MADE INTO WATCH FOB AND INSCRIBED “VALLEY OF DEATH” – GETTYSBURG

This is a wonderful and unique relic from the Battle of Gettysburg. It is a .58 caliber Gardner explosive bullet recovered from the “Valley of Death” and made into a watch fob. The bullet has the classic dark pewter lead appearance that was unique to the explosive bullets and has had a section carefully and skillfully cut away to expose the small, explosive copper filament at the center. The bullet is contained within a nicely jeweled silver housing that has a catch for the watch at the top and is inscribed in script along the bottom band, “Valley of Death”. The “Valley of Death” was the name given to the area between the Devil’s Den and Little Round Top that saw some of the heaviest and most desperate fighting on the late afternoon of July 2nd, 1863. This relic was acquired from the old C.A. Blocher jewelry and souvenir store that closed long ago in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Although rarely found today this bullet was issued to certain Union troops both at Chancellorsville and Gettysburg and was also used by Confederates at Gettysburg who had captured Union ammunition at Chancellorsville. Explosive bullets from the field of Gettysburg are rare enough as it is but this one is truly a gem with unquestionable provenance. An exquisite relic from the second day’s fighting at Gettysburg.