"War of 1861" American Eagle Union Army Dog Tag Struck in Bronze for Private Thomas Lane of Company B, 57th New York Infantry, Choice Extremely Fine.
Private Lane's name and unit designation are stamped on the reverse. A hole has been drilled through the tag's top to allow it to be worn around the owner's neck. This Tag measures about 1" across, minor deep tone on the reverse rim edge and having traces of light golden luster within the obverse legends, American Eagle and lettering on the reverse side. Thomas Lane enlisted on September 17, 1861 at the age of 20 in Utica, NY. He was mustered out on December 15th, 1864 in Rochester, NY. Additional copied information on this soldier will accompany the item. (See additional unit history online at: www.EarlyAmerican.com)
The 57th New York Infantry Regiment was formed by amalgamating companies of several smaller military formations in and around New York City, including the National Guard Rifles, the Clifton Rifles, the United States Voltigeurs, the Washington Zouaves, and the Manhattan Rifles. They were mustered as the 57th on August 12th, 1861.

After joining the Army of the Potomac, they participated in the Peninsular Campaign, the Seven Days Battles, Antietam and Fredericksburg, suffering heavy casualties at the latter two engagements. The 57th went on to fight in the Gettysburg and Wilderness Campaigns, after which the regiment's remaining men were transferred to the 61st New York Infantry on December 6, 1864.

During their term of service, they lost 103 officers and enlisted in battle and 91 to disease. (Provenance: courtesy of Historical Data Systems Civil War Regiment Database).