Extremely Rare Silver 2nd Corps Trefoil Badge of the 5th New Hampshire Infantry, Co. “E” / SOLD

Description

Extremely Rare Silver 2nd Corps Trefoil Badge of the 5th New Hampshire Infantry, Co. “E”

A superb and unquestionably authentic Army of the Potomac II Corps badge, crafted in solid silver in the classic trefoil form and fitted with its original gold company letter “E” dangle. The obverse is neatly engraved “5 N H”, identifying the famed 5th New Hampshire Infantry, while the reverse retains its original “T-Bar” attachment pin, typical of wartime manufacture.

 

This is a textbook, high-quality Corps badge of the type worn proudly by veteran soldiers late in the war and represents one of the most desirable regimental-identified badges in existence.

 

THE REGIMENT WITH THE HIGHEST CASUALTY RATE IN THE CIVIL WAR

 

Commanded for much of the war by the fearless and beloved Colonel Edward E. Cross, the 5th New Hampshire established a reputation as the hardest-fighting regiment in the Army of the Potomac. Organized in late 1861, the regiment served continuously in the II Corps, participating in every major Eastern Theater campaign, including:

•   Peninsula Campaign

•   Antietam

•   Fredericksburg (notably the doomed assault at Marye’s Heights)

•   Chancellorsville

•   Gettysburg (where Col. Cross was killed leading his brigade in the Wheatfield)

•   Cold Harbor

•   The Petersburg Campaign

•   Sailor’s Creek

•   Appomattox Court House

Their staggering combat exposure resulted in 295 killed and 756 wounded, giving the 5th New Hampshire the highest percentage of casualties of any Union regiment—a distinction often cited in period and modern scholarship alike.

 

Inventory Number: INS 439