The items featured in this section are pieces from John Ockerbloom's collection.
Military-issued "dog tags" did not exist during the Civil War period. However, soldier's could privately purchase these "identification" disks from military sutlers (regimental suppliers). The disks were normally threaded on a string and worn around the neck or as a pendant on a pin.
Washington's Bust/Profile "Union" with 34 Stars (Brass, 1.25" wide)
This is a rare early war example, with the use of the 34 stars dating from January 1861 to June 1863.
Stephen C. Johnson Co. H, 25th Reg. Mass
Volunteers. Entered Service Oct. 31, 1861
Johnson was a 22 year-old from Uxbridge, Massachusetts.
War of 1861 (Pewter, 1.15" wide)
This is a rare early war pewter badge. The last battle listed, Goldsboro, was fought on December 12, 1862.
Roanoke, Newbern, Kingston, Whitehall, Goldsboro
Engaged in the Above Battles
J. McDermott Co. E, 25th Reg. Mass Vol. Auburn, Mass.
John McDermott was a 20 year-old farmer who enlisted in September 1861.
War of 1861 Eagle (Gold Guilded Brass, Mint, 1.1" wide)
Owing to James Whidden's short service (four months), the condition of this badge is nearly new.
J.S. Whidden Co. B, 11th Reg. NH.V Deerfield
Whidden enlisted on August 13, 1862 and was killed in action on December 13, 1862 in Fredericksburg, Virgina.
War of 1861 Eagle (Highlights of Gold Guild on Brass, Dug, 1.1" wide)
The story told is that this was later recovered on the battlefield.
Edward M. Prout Co. B, 4th VT Vol Inf.
An 18 year-old in the Vermont Brigade, Prout was one of four soldiers killed, with nine others wounded, in Co. B by a single discharge of canister at the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia, December 13, 1862.
War of 1861 Eagle (Brass, Used, 1.1" wide)
This badge shows the marks typical of a well-worn badge.
Corpl. SamL Dolbear Co. K, 5th NHV Milford
A member of the famous "Fighting Fifth," Dolbear was killed in action on July 2, 1863 at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
War of 1861 Eagle (Silver, Used, 1.1" wide)
This badge is extremely unusual, being the typical War of 1861 style, but made of solid silver.
Lieut. M (Michael) Moran, Co. B, 10th Reg. NHV. Nashua
The 10th Regiment's ranks were largely filled with Irish recruits.
© 2004 John Ockerbloom. All rights reserved.