1861 Civil War Union Soldier’s Brass Metal Identification Disc decorated with a Star-Spangled Shield, Identified belonging to Sergeant Watson L. Gantt of the 36th Pennsylvania Volunteer State Militia, Very Fine.
This identification disc “Dog Tag” measures about 1” across with denticles around its rims. Obverse text reading, “Against Rebellion - 1861” surrounds a Patriotic Union Shield which itself is decorated with a set of Stars and Stripes and labeled “Union” in smaller letters. The reverse is stamped with, “Sergt. W. L. Gantt - Co. B. - 36th Reg. P.W.S.M.I.L.” identifying its owner as Sergeant Watson L. Gantt of the 36th Pennsylvania Volunteer State Militia. Gantt, a carpenter by trade, enlisted into the 36th Regiment on July 4, 1863 (date of the Battle of Gettysburg). A year later, he was mustered into Co. G of the 208th PA. Infantry on August 31, 1864. As part of the 208th, he participated in the Siege of Petersburg from November 1864 to April 1865 and the subsequent assaults on and ultimate capture of the city. Gantt also was part of the Pursuit of General Robert E. Lee until Lee’s Surrender at Appomattox Courthouse. He mustered out on June 1, 1865, and moved back to his hometown of Newport, PA. Accompanied by an extensive research packet.

References: Identification Discs of Union Soldiers in the Civil War by Larry B. Maier and Joseph W. Stahl, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Invalid Petition Records, Compendium of the War of Rebellion by F.H. Dyer, National Park Service.
The 208th Pennsylvania Infantry was organized at Harrisonburg, PA from August 16 to September 12, 1864. They were attached to the Army of the James as part of the garrison of Bermuda Hundred, VA, until they were transferred to the Army of the Potomac in November of 1864. They served in siege operations against Petersburg and Richmond, VA, in support of the Weldon Railroad Expedition and in the Appomattox Campaign that brought about the end of the war. They mustered out on June 1, 1865. The regiment lost during service 2 officers and 19 enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 7 enlisted men by disease for a total of 28.
[Civil War, Union Army, Pennsylvania] [Siege of Petersburg, Battle of Gettysburg, Appomattox Court House] [Identification Discs, Militaria, Numismatics]