Wonderful Civil War Bugle Identical to the Example Carried by General Kearny’s Orderly / SOLD

Wonderful Civil War Bugle Identical to the Example Carried by General Kearny’s Orderly - Inventory Number:  MUS 182 / SOLD

Bugler Gustav Schurmann A twelve-year-old who served in the Civil War ...

This Civil War period piece has only one stamping identifying it a trumpet in “G.”  Made in brass, and never had silver plating as some other examples I have found in my research.  The trumpet, or bugle, looks to be 100 percent correct. The mouthpiece fits tightly and exhibits the same patina as the rest of brass. The double coiled tube is about 15 inches to the bell.  The overall measure is 17 inches, and was a bit longer, as the bell (measuring 4 3/4″) has been pushed back some, causing the bell cover to buckle some.  The small connecting loop extending down from the bell tube, has come loose from the lower coil.

A few dings and small dents appear over the surface, but nothing detracting from appearance. The only marking is found on a connecting tube between coils, on the one closest to the mouthpiece, and stamped, “G” on a brass plate.

Historically, this type of bugle or trumpet was used by Gustave Schurmann, a young drummer in the 40th New York Volunteers, until he was chosen as General Philip Kearny’s orderly of the day; Kearny then presented him with a trumpet in “G”, and a horse to accompany the staff. Schurmann’s legs barely could straddle over the saddle, yet his determination was great, and General Kearny was truly impressed enough to reward the young musician with the honor of being his permanent orderly.  Schurmann was with the general the day he was killed at the Battle of Chantilly, Va. in 1862.

Gustav Schurmann a 12-year-old bugler and orderly for General Philip Kearny during the American Civil War. Schurmann served in the Mozart Regiment, the 140th New York infantry unit, and became friends with Tad Lincoln.

 Inventory Number:  MUS 182 / SOLD