A stamped brass wreath surrounding a silver “US” in Roman letters was the regulation U.S. Army hat insignia for Hospital Stewards during the Civil War and up to 1882, when a caduceus replaced the “U.S.” Hospital stewards served under medical officers and on the regimental level were part of the medical non-commissioned staff, often placed in day-to-day charge of the regimental hospital and fulfilled pharmacist duties for the surgeon and assistant surgeon.

These are tough to date. This one has flat, stamped silver letters, showing some thick and thin contours, but with the “U” joined at the top. The wreath shows some bright gilt. The letters have a more subdued tone. The pins are present on the reverse and show some bends, likely having been mounted on a piece headgear at some time.

This would fit very well in an army medical display.  [sr]

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