I took my sisters out digging this last Saturday in an area that has produced an 1848 large cent and other mid-1800’s period items. One of my sisters found this item and originally thought she had a coin. I now think she may have found something even more unique once we got home and cleaned it up a bit. The one side of the item reads Co. ? L ? on the top line. Then the rest is more legible and reads 8th Regt. Of Inft. California, 21, U.S. Vol. The back side is a cross with the letters RED or RFD. There was an 8th regiment in California that was originally mustered during the Civil War and then later during the Spanish-American War. I am thinking this cool thing might be a “dog tag” of sorts and that the 21 referred to a specific individual in that regiment. It would be cool to do the research and find who this person was. I am always appreciative of the feedback and input from you all in helping me clearly identify what this item may be. Thanks for all of your help.
