c. 1863 Civil War Union Soldier’s White Metal Identification Disc “Dog Tag” featuring a Bust of Major General George McClellan, Identified as belonging to “C W Ayer” of Company I, 4th New Hampshire Volunteers, Very Fine.
This larger size white metal identification disc measures 1.33” across with double lined rims. Its face is decorated with a detailed Bust of General McClellan, labeled “Maj. Gen. McClellan” in an arch around the upper rim. The reverse is stamped with information identifying its owner, “C W Ayer” of “CO I, 4 NHV” meaning that he served in Company I of the 4th New Hampshire Volunteers. Much like the face side, additional raised text reading, “The War of 1861 62’ & 63’” is arranged in an arch along the upper rim, some slight scuffing on face and reverse.

The 4th New Hampshire Infantry Regiment, initially mustered in September 1861 as the 4th New Hampshire Volunteers, was an infantry regiment that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. It was commanded by Colonel Louis Bell and served with distinction as part of Sherman’s South Carolina Expeditionary Corps with whom they saw action at the Battle of Port Royal and the Second Battle of Charleston Harbor. The regiment was transferred to Butler’s Army of the James in 1864 and participated in the Battle of Cold Harbor, the Siege of Petersburg and the Battle of the Crater. The 4th New Hampshire Infantry mustered out of service August 23rd, 1865. The regiment lost a total of 234 men during service; 3 officers and 82 enlisted men killed or mortally wounded, 5 officers and 194 enlisted men died of disease. Major Josiah Eastman, the 4th’s Regimental Surgeon, was a former New Hampshire State Representative (1847-1850) and State Senator (1853-1854).

[Civil War, Union Army, New Hampshire] [George McClellan, Siege of Petersburg, Military History] [Identification Discs, Militaria, Numismatics]