60th United States Colored Troops with Known Sutler - NEW

Item CDV-12100

Description

60th United States Colored Troops 
Milton F. Collins
Lieutenant Colonel
William G. Pitman
Sutler
Backmark: St. Louis, MO
Identified in period ink

William G. Pitman (often spelled Pittman) was a known merchant and Civil War sutler who operated primarily in the Western Theater.
 
A sutler was a licensed civilian merchant permitted to follow the army and sell non-regulation goods directly to soldiers. These items included tobacco, writing paper, pocket knives, canned fruit, combs, and extra clothing or luxury foodstuffs not provided by standard military rations. 
 
Key Facts About William G. Pitman's Role
 

• Sutler Tokens: Pitman is most famous among historians and numismatists today for issuing his own sutler tokens. Because coinage was incredibly scarce during the Civil War, sutlers frequently minted their own brass or copper tokens to use as currency and make change for soldiers within the camps. 
• Regimental Association: His tokens explicitly identify him as the sutler for specific military units. Pitman primarily served Union forces, including the 4th Iowa Cavalry and elements of the United States Colored Infantry. 
• The Token Design: A typical authentic William G. Pitman token features his name, his title ("SUTLER"), and the designation of the regiment he was authorized to supply, alongside a monetary denomination (such as 5, 10, or 25 cents) redeemable only at his mobile store.

 
Because of the high turnover rate of sutlers—who frequently fled during battles, lost their inventory to raids, or had their contracts revoked—original tokens carrying Pitman's name are highly sought after by Civil War collectors
 
Source:  Wikipedia