1862 Civil War Union Soldier’s Brass Identification Disc “Dog Tag” with Star-Spangled Union Shield, belonging to Pvt. Benjamin Franklin Smead of Battery E, the 1st New York Light Artillery, who saw extensive action and was Present for Lee’s Surrender at Appomattox Court House, Choice Very Fine.
This Identification “Dog Tag” measures about 1” across and has an intricate beaded pattern around its edges. The center of its face is dominated by a full Shield with the U.S. Stars and Stripes surrounded by text reading, “War For The Union - 1862”. The reverse reads, “B.F. Smead - Co. E - 1st Battery - N.Y.S.V.” the abbreviation of the owner’s name and assigned unit. Pvt. Benjamin Franklin Smead of Battery E, 1st New York Light Artillery, was born June 11, 1835 in Bath-Steuben County, New York, and enlisted in the United States Army on September 10, 1861. Along with the rest of the 1st, he participated in the Battle of Williamsburg and the Seven Days Battles outside Richmond.

Also in May of 1862, while on the march to Williamsburg, Virginia, Pvt. Smead injured both his ankles while moving a cannon. Possibly as a result of these injuries, he was admitted to the General Hospital at Harrison’s Landing on August 9th, 1862 as “Sick”. He spent much of the following year at various hospitals in Virginia and New York, not returning to duty until August of 1863. While in hospital he was transferred to the 1st Independent Battery - New York Light Artillery, with whom he participated in the Battles of Bristoe, Rappahannock Station, The Wilderness, Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor, 3rd Winchester, Fisher’s Hill, Cedar Creek, Petersburg, Sailor’s Creek, and was present for Lee’s Surrender at Appomattox Court House.

The 1st Independent Battery of the New York Light Artillery mustered in November 23, 1861 and served with the Army of the Potomac and the Army of the Shenandoah. The battery lost 2 officers and 16 enlisted men killed and 38 enlisted men by disease over the course of the war. They mustered out June 23, 1865. Lot Accompanied with a packet of research information.

Provenance: Identification Discs of Union Soldiers in the Civil War by Larry B. Maier and Joseph W. Stahl. New York in the War of Rebellion, 3rd Ed. by Frederick Phisterer. National Park Service,

[Civil War, Union Army, New York] [Battle of Williamsburg, Appomattox Court House, Military History] [Identification Discs, Militaria, Numismatics]