UNQUESTIONABLY, a world-class Civil War Artifact. This piece of history is about as rare a find as can be imagined. I have recently acquired a new item for my own collection and will have to part with this gem. Note: There are only a handful of inscribed Martigale plates known to exist. This is a presentation shield affixed to an Artillery Officers Martingale and there is no doubt that this rig was at the lines. The leather is dyed Artillery red and the plate affixed by brass rivets. This is a very rare and important item. The inscription reads in 6 lines, "Presented To, Maj. A. F. Brooker, 1st Regt. Conn. Arty., By the Line Officers of The Regt., Siege of Petersburg, Va. Oct. 1st, 1864." Brooker mustered into the 1st Conn. in May of 1861 and saw all of the most important action wrought by the Army of the Potomac being noted as serving with honor, distinction and gallantry. He assisted in the defenses of Washington and proceeded to the Peninsula Campaign including the Siege of Yorktown and Seven Days battles under McClellan. He bore a prominent role at Malvern Hill and later received words of praise from Burnside for service at Fredericksburg. He was present at Gettysburg and then fitted out the siege train for Petersburg where he again received praise for his "brilliant performance during the siege operations" from General Butler. This is an artifact unlike any you will probably ever see, and if I hadn't have run across a great new sword for my own collection, it would not be offered for sale. A great opportunity and a wonderful display piece.