Gilt stamped brass infantry insignia imitating bullion embroidery became popular among militia in the 1850s and were often based on the illustrations of the 1851 regulations published by Horstmann. The market expanded dramatically among the volunteers in the Civil War. Campbell and O’Donnell illustrate a number of variants (See Am. Mil. Headgear Insignia, Pl. 348-361.) They might be purchased by officers, who had to supply their own uniforms, and also by enlisted men who wanted something a bit nicer than the issue versions.

This one is in very good condition. The brass has mellow, aged patina. There are no bends or breaks. The two small brass wire fastening loops are still in place on the reverse, bent over, but still attached by their original solder. The horn, the regulation branch of service insignia designating infantry, shows a chain-like border to the bell and reinforcement, along with a cord wrapped around the tube of the horn with three tassels with bound ends, very similar to Pl. 351 and 355 in Campbell and O’Donnell. They date their examples 1855-1865. The general form was regulation until 1875, but the dramatic reduction of the army at the end of the war and available surplus stocks made production after 1865 pointless.

This would display nicely next to a period image of a soldier wearing one.  [sr]  [ph:L]

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