This is a hat badge of the famous New York Irish Brigade. This brigade was originally formed by the 63rd, 69th and 88th New York Infantry regiments. The only commander of the original brigade was Brigadier General Thomas Meagher. The brigade fought in 30 engagements during the Civil War, including Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Petersburg and Appomattox Courthouse. Of brigade sized units, the Irish Brigade suffered the third highest casualty rate of the war. After Chancellorsville the brigade could only muster just over 200 combat effective soldiers. They were formed into a single regiment, the 88th, and folded into another brigade. BG Meagher, frustrated after repeated requests to recruit replacements for the brigade, resigned command of the Irish brigade after heavy losses at Chancellorsville. This hat badge is a combination of an Shamrock wreath and a small Irish harp. The wreath is 1 1/2" high and 2 1/8" at the widest point. The harp is 1" tall and 5/8" at the widest point. The pieces are constructed of tin, with wire hooks soldered on to enable the soldier to attach it to his hat. If have an Irish brigade collection, it's not complete without one of these.

Item # AA1131

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