Civil War Wallet
Age: 1864
Maker: Unknown
Materials: Leather
Marks: Name of Soldier within
Construction: Cut and sewn leather
Description: A well-worn wallet from the Civil War, what makes this rare wallet even more unique is the identification of the soldier that owned it. It is cracked with age, but contains five compartments, two of which can close at either end. A strip of leather can be pulled through two loops to seal the wallet closed to prevent the loss of items placed within it. Period scripted on the inside is the name R. P. Eaton, ME. (4?)
Provenance: Connecticut Estate
Size: H. 3.0x W. 4.5x D. 0.5"
Weight: 2.1 oz
Condition: The leather has grown more brittle as it ages, but remains in one piece. There are some scales of leather missing, revealing a brown-orange color, and the strap has permanently creased with how long it has held its shape.
History: Ray P. Eaton enlisted in the Union Army from Bath, ME on 4/16/1864 as a Sergeant. He was in the "G" Co. ME 32nd Infantry for nearly eight months before he was discharged for an injury on 12/5/1864. The wound to his left arm, which he had received on the 30th of July, was severe and resulted in amputation; which inevitably led to his discharge.