Private Philip E. Smith, Company E, Iron Brigade, 2nd Wisconsin. Bullet-struck Model 1851 NCO belt plate worn when wounded at the Battle of Gainesville, VA, 28 August 1862.

3 3/4 x 2 in. belt plate (bent inward approx. 7/8 in. at bottom center; wreath is complete and keeper is present but cannot be removed due to damage sustained from bullet strike). Manufacturer's stamp on verso, "US / Allegheny / Arsenal." Plate was struck by a large caliber projectile at the bottom center by the eagle’s talons. Accompanied by ink tag reading, "Belt Buckle worn by Phillip (Philip) Smith husband of Aunt Marie[?] worn when wounded. 2nd Wisconsin Regiment Oshkosh same Co which Col Henry Harshaw."

Copies of Smith’s pension records (included with this lot) contain affidavits from comrades who recall finding Smith on the Gainesville Battlefield in Virginia and describe the bullet strike to his belt plate. One affidavit even describes that the plate was not penetrated but instead severely bent. Smith was wounded a second time on 5/5/1864 at the Wilderness. The “Col” Henry Harshaw referenced in this tag was in fact Henry Harshaw who served in Co. E. and the Field & Staff of the 2nd Wisconsin Infantry, holding the ranks of sergeant major, 2nd lieutenant, and assistant aide de camp.

[With:] photocopied paperwork regarding Smith's military service.

The Civil War Collection of James C. Frasca