Silver Shield Identification Badge of Albert Olthof, Musician in the 105th and 94th New York Infantry / SOLD
Silver “WAR OF 1861” identification shield engraved “A. Olthof / Co K. / 94th Regt. N.Y.S.V.” Born in Holland, Albert Olthof was 39 years old when he enlisted in the 105th New York in January 1862. His records indicate that he served as a musician and hospital attendant and participated in 13 engagements. By the spring of 1863 the 105th was so reduced by casualties that the companies were consolidated and transferred to the 94th New York. The regiment suffered 245 casualties out of 445 men engaged at Gettysburg, and another 178 at the Battle of Weldon Railroad. The badge is complete with the T-bar attachment pin on the back and shows honest wear from many months in the field. An excellent specimen.
NEW YORK NINETY-FOURTH INFANTRY (Three Years)
Ninety-fourth Infantry.-Cols., Henry K. Viele, Adrian R. Root; Lieut.-Cols., Colvin Littlefield, John A. Kress, Samuel Moffatt; Majs., William R. Hanford, John A. Kress, D. C. Tomlinson, Samuel S. Moffatt, John A. McMahon, Henry P. Fish, Byron Parsons.
The 94th, the "Bell Rifles," recruited in Jefferson County, was mustered into the U. S. service at Sacket's Harbor, March 10, 1862, and left the state for Washington on the 18th. It served in the defenses of Washington under Gen. Wadsworth, was assigned to the 1st brigade, 2nd division, Department of the Rappahannock in May, and to the 3d corps, Army of Virginia, June 26, with which it participated in Gen. Pope's Virginia campaign, losing 147 in killed, wounded and missing.
On Sept. 12, with the same brigade and division, the regiment was attached to the 1st corps, was active at South Mountain and Antietam, and in December at Fredericksburg. The winter was passed in camp near Falmouth and in March 1863, the regiment was consolidated into a battalion of five companies to which were added five companies of the 105th N. Y. infantry.
The regiment served for a month as provost guard and in June 1863, returned to the 1st corps with its old brigade and division and suffered the heaviest loss of its service at Gettysburg-245 killed, wounded or missing. It shared in the Mine Run fiasco and in December was ordered to Annapolis, where it became a part of the 8th corps.
During the winter a large number of its members reenlisted, and the regiment continued in service as a veteran organization. In the Wilderness campaign it served with the 5th corps, being engaged at Cold Harbor, Totopotomy and White Oak swamp. It moved with the Army of the Potomac to Petersburg and was closely engaged at the Weldon railroad, losing 178 killed, wounded or missing.
On Aug. 10, 1864, the regiment was joined by the veterans and recruits of the 87th N. Y. infantry and remained on duty before Petersburg until the end of the siege after which it was active at Five Forks and was present at Lee's surrender. The 84th was mustered out at Washington, July 18, 1865, having lost 116 by death from wounds and 138 from other causes, of whom 37 died in imprisonment. Maj. Fish was killed in action at Five Forks.
Source: The Union Army, Vol. 2, p. 118
Albert Olthof - 39 years old. Enlisted on 1/7/1862 at Freedom, NY as a Private. On 2/24/1862 he mustered into "K" Co. NY 105th Infantry. He was transferred out on 3/10/1863. On 3/10/1863 he transferred into "K" Co. NY 94th Infantry. He was discharged on 3/20/1865.
Comes housed in a 12 x 16 inch display case with blue velvet backing and descriptive card.
Inventory Number: IDE 196 / SOLD