Description

An extraordinary piece from our personal collection – time to let it be appreciated by others. Consists of a woven human hair watch chain with alternating chain and spiral weaves. Engraved gold caps on each end, one with a snap hook for the watch the other with a bar for the vest buttonhole. Overall condition is excellent with no breaks and only minor typical wear. Nice even age patina on fittings. In the middle is an engraved gold suspension piece with a simply fantastic veterans memento fob. Hanging from the gold link is a little gutta percha facsimile of soldier’s hard pack complete with separate blanket roll and mess kit attached. (have only ever seen one other example of this fob) The straps on the pack, blanket roll, and mess kit are little gold bands. On the back of the pack is clearly engraved “US” and on the other side is personalized, engraved “45” and “E”. This item was brought in to us some years ago by  a young fellow who indicated that it had belonged to his ancestor William Bartruff. He had no other documentation. (what a shame the way so many today treat the treasures of their family legacy – especially when so many of us would give anything to have more items from our own!) The story checked out as our research showed Sgt. William Bartruff enlisted in 1861 in E Company of the 45th NY Infantry, recruited from a local militia known as the 5th German Rifles. This fellow was no slouch, being one of those rare men who made it the whole way through, despite very rigorous service. He participated in every campaign of his regiment from 1861 to 1865 including in the Eastern Theater; 2nd Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Thoroughfare Gap, Chantilly, Chancellorsville (76 KIA), and Gettysburg where they were decimated with 224 KIA missing, and wounded. After recovering they were sent west and participated at Chattanooga, Missionary Ridge, Atlanta, Resaca, and Kennesaw Mountain. Bartruff reenlisted with his comrades in 1864 as a veteran regiment in Tennessee where they stayed until he was discharged in June 1865 in Nashville when the 45th was consolidated with the 58th NY. Data and history is included as well as glass front  display board. An extremely rare opportunity.