Civil War era PATRIOTIC BADGE

Description

Absolutely original and in mint condition, this patriotic star badge measures approximately 1 7/8 inches across and is constructed of thin die struck brass.  The construction style is generally referred to as mock or false bullion and was frequently utilized in the manufacture of field grade insignia of the Civil War. Fastened by the use of soldered wire on the back such patriotic embellishments were worn on the uniform breast (see our illustration from a Civil War CDV) and may have been utilized as a Corps device of the 12th Corps though that was not the case with the young officer pictured here. (He was a Maine boy serving in the 5th Corps)  An example of this type may be seen in the  Schuyler, Hartley & Graham Military Goods Catalogue of 1864.  We have a small quantity of these acquired from storage of goods from that well known Civil War military goods dealer, each absolutely original and in mint condition.