


Vicksburg Campaign Battlefield Finds | Compartmented Display Collection | Circa 1861–1865
Historical Context & Origin
Region: United States, Mississippi Valley (attributed)
Material: Mixed metals (iron, brass, lead), glass/ceramic, wood display tray with wire mounts
Period: American Civil War, ca. 1861–1865
Description
Large, visually striking shadow-box assemblage of dug Civil War relics, mounted in a compartmented wooden tray. An old hand-written label reads “Battle of Vicksburg,” suggesting the items were recovered in or around that campaign; the group appears to have been arranged by a mid-20th-century collector and left largely undisturbed since. Contents include multiple Minie balls and carved bullets, round-shot/canister and shell fragments, horse equipment (spur, stirrup, buckles), accoutrement hardware (US plate and eagle breastplate fragments, belt/suspender buckles, knapsack/strap fittings, scabbard piece), canteen spout, pipe bowl fragment, glass bottle, iron tools and camp items, and miscellaneous brass/lead field finds—all with honest excavated patina.
Features
- Compartmented wooden display with dozens of identified relics
- Highlights: US oval plate fragment, eagle motif disk, spur & stirrup, canteen spout, buttons/buckles, Minie balls and carved examples, artillery/shell fragments, camp hardware
- Historic hand-written label “Battle of Vicksburg” retained (provenance note)
- Ready to hang or stand; an impressive decorator’s piece and study collection
Cultural Significance
Vicksburg (May–July 1863) was pivotal in securing Union control of the Mississippi River. Battlefield-recovered groupings like this preserve material culture of soldier life—ammunition, equipment, and camp detritus—providing a tangible record of the conflict.
Condition
Relic/excavated condition throughout: oxidation, encrustation, and losses consistent with ground recovery; several pieces wired or wedged into compartments; some movement possible—handle gently. The tray shows age wear, chips, and minor separations but is stable for display.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Height: 18.5 in
Width: 21.5 in
Age (Approximate)
160–165 years old
Provenance
Formerly held for many years in a private collection in York, Pennsylvania, USA, specializing in militaria and historical military artefacts.
Learn More
Explore the significance of the Battle of Vicksburg in Civil War history
Browse our curated Combat Artifacts, Armor & Weapons Collection
Historical Context & Origin
Region: United States, Mississippi Valley (attributed)
Material: Mixed metals (iron, brass, lead), glass/ceramic, wood display tray with wire mounts
Period: American Civil War, ca. 1861–1865
Description
Large, visually striking shadow-box assemblage of dug Civil War relics, mounted in a compartmented wooden tray. An old hand-written label reads “Battle of Vicksburg,” suggesting the items were recovered in or around that campaign; the group appears to have been arranged by a mid-20th-century collector and left largely undisturbed since. Contents include multiple Minie balls and carved bullets, round-shot/canister and shell fragments, horse equipment (spur, stirrup, buckles), accoutrement hardware (US plate and eagle breastplate fragments, belt/suspender buckles, knapsack/strap fittings, scabbard piece), canteen spout, pipe bowl fragment, glass bottle, iron tools and camp items, and miscellaneous brass/lead field finds—all with honest excavated patina.
Features
- Compartmented wooden display with dozens of identified relics
- Highlights: US oval plate fragment, eagle motif disk, spur & stirrup, canteen spout, buttons/buckles, Minie balls and carved examples, artillery/shell fragments, camp hardware
- Historic hand-written label “Battle of Vicksburg” retained (provenance note)
- Ready to hang or stand; an impressive decorator’s piece and study collection
Cultural Significance
Vicksburg (May–July 1863) was pivotal in securing Union control of the Mississippi River. Battlefield-recovered groupings like this preserve material culture of soldier life—ammunition, equipment, and camp detritus—providing a tangible record of the conflict.
Condition
Relic/excavated condition throughout: oxidation, encrustation, and losses consistent with ground recovery; several pieces wired or wedged into compartments; some movement possible—handle gently. The tray shows age wear, chips, and minor separations but is stable for display.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Height: 18.5 in
Width: 21.5 in
Age (Approximate)
160–165 years old
Provenance
Formerly held for many years in a private collection in York, Pennsylvania, USA, specializing in militaria and historical military artefacts.
Learn More
Explore the significance of the Battle of Vicksburg in Civil War history
Browse our curated Combat Artifacts, Armor & Weapons Collection
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