Sterling silver spoon. [England]. Silver hallmarks and maker's mark "S. & Mc.F." stamped to handle reverse.

Handle obverse finely engraved: "Found by W.C. Phipps / Co. A 11 Ind. Regt / On Champion's Hill Battlefield / May 16 1863." 

Handle reverse crudley etched: "Trophy of Champio[n's HIll] / Ma[y 1863]."

Private WIlliam C. Phipps enlisted on 31 August 1861 into the 11th Indiana Infantry, also known as Wallace's Zouaves. Joining Grant at Fort Henry, they continued with him through the major battles of the Western Theater, including Shiloh, the Siege of Corinth, and the Battle of Champion Hill, where Phipps took this souvenir. He evidently began to etch his trophy while on the front and then commemorated it in a more professional fashion once home. 

After the Siege of Vicksburg, the 11th Indiana was transferred to the Department of the Gulf. Phipps mustered out at the expiration of his term of service shortly after they had transferred east and joined Sheridan's Army of the Shenandoah. 

A spoon that tells a story. 

[Civil War, Union, Confederate] [Relics, Militaria] [Veterans, Veterans’ Organizations, Fraternal Organizations] [GAR, Grand Army of the Republic]