Excavated Civil War Identification Disc

Excavated Civil War Identification Disc - Inventory Number: IDE 286

Emory W. Martin, 7th Co. 1st New York Sharpshooters Carroll, New York – Issued 1862–1865 This rare, excavated brass Civil War soldier’s  disc was issued to Emory W. Martin, a private in the 7th Company, 1st Regiment, New York Sharpshooters. The obverse features a spread-winged Federal eagle with the inscription “IN THE WAR OF UNION 1861, 2 & 3.” Despite field wear, it retains excellent detail. Two piercings at the top and bottom likely indicate its use as a pendant or jacket tag. This genuine battlefield-recovered artifact exhibits classic patination and “ground action” indicative of long burial. The reverse (not visible in the photo but described in the provenance) typically bears the soldier’s name, unit, and sometimes hometown. In this case, it reads “Martin - L. Moore / 7th Co. 1 NYSS,” referencing his enrollment under Capt. L. Moore in Carroll, New York. Service History: Private Emory W. Martin, aged 19, enlisted on August 11, 1862, mustered in September 12, 1862, and served with distinction throughout the war. He was honorably mustered out on June 2, 1865, at Douglass U.S. General Hospital in Washington, D.C., possibly due to wounds or illness sustained late in the conflict. Artifacts linked to sharpshooter units are highly prized due to their elite status and limited numbers. This identification disc provides a direct and personal connection to one of the Union’s most specialized regiments. Condition: Excavated, this Civil War military identity tag is a rare and evocative example of Civil War military identity tags. It features a strong detail of an eagle and legends, age-appropriate surface corrosion with a stable patina, and two suspension holes typical of field-worn discs. 

Comes housed in 6 x 8 riker display case with red velvet and descriptive card.

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Inventory Number: IDE 286