Gold Civil War 8th Corps Badge of H.E. Alexander, Baltimore Artillery

Description

Gold Civil War 8th Corps Badge of H.E. Alexander, Baltimore Artillery

Published in Dan Toomey’s book on Maryland soldiers This exceptionally rare and ornate Civil War badge represents the 8th Corps and belonged to H.E. Alexander of the Baltimore Artillery. The badge features a six-pointed star, the emblem of the 8th Army Corps, crafted from engraved and gilded metal. A striking set of crossed red artillery tubes dominates the center, symbolizing Alexander’s role in the artillery. The star bears elegant period script inscriptions reading: “1862 Baltimore Battery” on the top rays  “Light Artillery 1865” on the bottom rays.  Attached to a deep red ribbon, the badge is topped by a flowing scroll-form banner inscribed “Capt. H.E. Alexander.” The craftsmanship and personalized detail signifies a presentation piece, made just prior to the war’s end. H. Eugene Alexander served as a 1st Lieutenant throughout the Civil War in Alexander’s Battery and was promoted to Captain by the war’s conclusion.

This badge is published and illustrated in Dan Toomey’s authoritative work on Maryland Civil War soldiers, further cementing its historical and collector significance. The corps was initially created out of various Union commands as part of the Middle Department in the Shenandoah Valley on July 12, 1862, and was placed under the command of Major General John E. Wool. It spent most of 1862 guarding the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad lines between Baltimore, Harpers Ferry, and Winchester. The corps, then led by Robert C. Schenck, played a major role in the early stages of the Gettysburg Campaign, where elements of the corps unsuccessfully opposed Robert E. Lee’s initial advance through the Shenandoah. The second division, under Robert H. Milroy, suffered heavy casualties during the Second Battle of Winchesteron June 13–15, 1863, and elements of the corps also took part in the delaying action at Martinsburg a few days later. The badly battered corps withdrew to Harpers Ferry after that, playing no further role in the campaign, until it helped join in George G. Meade’s pursuit of Lee following the Battle of Gettysburg. The VIII Corps played a major part in the defense of Washington from Jubal Earlyat Monocacy on July 9, 1864 under the commander of Maj. Gen. Lew Wallace. The primary duty of the VIII Corps in 1864 was rear echelon duties in Maryland guarding the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Elements of the corps also battled Confederate cavalry as it raided across Maryland to the suburbs of Baltimore during Early’s Raid on Washington. The headquarters of the department was located in Baltimore.

Comes housed in 6 x 8 riker display case with black velvet and descriptive card.

Inventory Number: IDE 288