#5102 • Civil War Pewter Identification Disc-56th Pennsylvania Infantry

Part of Fine and Decorative Arts | Day 3 | September 29, 2022 at 10:00 AM (live auction by Alderfer Auction)

High bid $850.00

Status: Sold

American Civil War pewter ID disc belonging to Private William J. Burnham, of Company K, 56th Pennsylvania Infantry. Obverse of disc presents bust portrait of George Washington facing right with text "GEORGE WASHINGTON BORN FEBUARY 22, 1732". Reverse of disc presents stamped lettering "WM. J. BURNHAM COPR'L CO. K. 56TH REG. PA. VOL. PORT CARBON PA. WAR OF 1861". Disc measures 1.2" in diameter. Surface of badge exhibits wear with toned patina. William J. Burnham (1841-1916) enlisted at Pottsville, Pennsylvania on February 10, 1862 and was mustered into Company K, of the 56th Pennsylvania Infantry regiment on March 24, 1862 and shortly after promoted to corporal. On November 2, 1862 during a skirmish near Union, Virginia he was struck above his right elbow by a small fragment, that same day his right arm was amputated close to the shoulder joint. He was discharged because of the loss of his arm on May 25, 1863. He is buried in the Saint Paul's Lutheran Church Cemetery, Port Carbon, Pennsylvania. Provenance: Gary Wolfer collection.