Major Charles P. Chandler – Killed in Action Leading Charge / SOLD

Description

Major Charles P. Chandler

Killed in Action Leading Charge

 

This exceptional identified grouping consists of a Smith’s Patent Major’s shoulder strap belonging to Major Charles P. Chandler of the 1st Massachusetts Infantry, accompanied by a carte de visite portrait of Chandler in uniform bearing the backmark of G.W. Black of Boston. 

 

The shoulder strap is a classic example of the patented “Smith’s Patent” embroidered field grade insignia, featuring a richly gilded bullion oak-leaf border framing a dark blue velvet ground. Centered within the field are the finely executed gold oak leaves denoting the rank of Major. The construction exhibits the characteristic padded and framed style associated with Smith’s Patent manufacture, designed for both durability and a distinctive three-dimensional presentation. The reverse retains its original metal backing with attachment loops, and an old identification label reading: “Major Chas. P. Chandler, 1st Massachusetts.” The strap displays an untouched patina and honest age, consistent with wartime service. 

 

Accompanying the insignia is a period CDV photograph of Major Chandler, standing in full uniform with forage cap and shoulder straps visible, posed beside a studio column and holding his sword. The image is backmarked by G.W. Black of Boston, one of the prominent Massachusetts photographers of the era. Chandler appears youthful yet resolute, dressed in a dark officer’s frock coat with the straps clearly denoting his field grade rank. The portrait provides a powerful visual link to the very insignia offered here. 

 

Charles Pomeroy Chandler was born in Foxcroft, Maine, in January 1836. A Harvard-educated lawyer, he entered practice in Boston before the outbreak of the Civil War. In early 1861, amid the first wave of patriotic fervor, he was commissioned as a lieutenant and soon rose to Captain, ultimately being appointed Major of the 1st Massachusetts Infantry in May 1861. 

 

Chandler served with distinction throughout the early campaigns of the Army of the Potomac. He was present at First Bull Run and continued through the Peninsula Campaign under General Joseph Hooker. The 1st Massachusetts saw heavy action during the Seven Days Battles. On June 30, 1862, at the Battle of Glendale (also known as Frayser’s Farm), Chandler led his men in a desperate charge against Confederate positions. During this fierce engagement, he was killed in action at just 28 years of age. Contemporary accounts describe the fighting at Glendale as savage and chaotic, with repeated assaults and severe casualties. Chandler fell while bravely leading his regiment, embodying the sacrifice of the early-war volunteer officer corps. 

 

The 1st Massachusetts Infantry would go on to serve with distinction in numerous major engagements, but Chandler did not live to see the later triumphs of the Army of the Potomac. His death at Glendale marked the loss of a promising young officer whose career—and life—was cut short during one of the most brutal phases of the war. 

 

Charles Pomeroy Chandler, born 1836 and Harvard educated, was commissioned in 1861 and rose to Major of the 1st Massachusetts. He served through First Bull Run and the Peninsula Campaign. On June 30, 1862, at the Battle of Glendale (Frayser’s Farm), he was killed while leading his men in action, just 28 years old. A rare and powerful identified grouping to a Union officer who fell in one of the fiercest fights of the Seven Days Battles. 

 

Inventory Number: GRO 108