This is a nice authentic excavated original Civil War boxplate from a soldier's cartridge box. This is the plate that went on the outer flap not only for decoration but to help keep the flap closed. It has the crystal clear "
US" letters on the front with a very pleasing brownish patina all over. Both of the two original iron loops are lost off of the back but you can see where the outline of the metal is under the lead. It has a good original lead and the one side has been restored and it is priced accordingly. The white ink history that accompanied the plate on the back is that it states it was recovered in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania on the Emmitsburg Road. It is a fine displaying piece of Civil War history!