This grouping comes into the shop with oral history of belonging to Captain Henry Mason of the 9th Regiment New York Cavalry. This unit's organization was began at Westfield, New York and completed at Albany, New York in November, 1861. The regiment left New York 26 November, 1861 and was posted in Washington, D.C. It served with the Army of the Potomac and the Army of the Shenandoah. The regiment mustered out on 17 July, 1865 at Cloud's Mills, Virginia. Casualties incurred by the 9th New York Cavalry during the war were 13 officers and 211 enlisted men, either killed in action, died of wounds or died from disease and other causes. Captain Mason was mustered in with the 9th New York, but was later appointed to Brigadier General John Buford's staff. The grouping consists of an 1851 officers sword belt plate, Cavalry Insignia, a souvenir badge from the General Philip Sheridan Monument, a Grand Army of the Republic Post Commander's badge with GAR medal, a GAR button, a Union General Staff officer's coat button and a .58 caliber minie. The sword belt plate has been modified and apparently made into a broach. The pictures show the removal of the tongue and the the left belt loop. A pin and catch were added so the plate could be worn as a broach. The catch is still present, but the pin has been broken. The face of the plate is in great condition, showing wear only on the high spots. The Cavalry Insignia appears to be post war. Instead of having the loops to affix it to the head gear this one has pins and clutch backs. It measures 1 1/2" wide and 3/4" high. The sabers are straight and the piece displays well, but is post war. The souvenir badge of the Sheridan Monument is not the same as the GAR Sheridan Monument badge. It is made of copper and measures 2 1/8" high and 1 1/2" wide. The face of the medallion depicts General Sheridan mounted on his horse Rienzi. This was Sheridan's only mount from 1862 though the remainder of the war. The horse was a black Morgan and was presented to Sheridan in Rienzi, Mississippi. It was later renamed Winchester after the Battle of Cedar Creek. The medal is back marked BASTIAN BROS CO ROCHESTER NY. I'm not sure whether the connection for Captain Mason was the fact that the 9th New York was formed in Albany, or that his old cavalry Commander, General Sheridan, was born in Albany. Either way, the Sheridan Monument meant something to him. I do not know if Henry mason went on to become a GAR Post Commander, but this grouping includes a miniature full Colonel's shoulder strap. These were affixed to the GAR medal to indicate an individual's position within his post. This small insignia shows very well, the blue of the strap contrasting well with the silver eagle. The gold border has turned a dark golden patina. The pin on the back as well as the ribbon bar are both still present and functional. The ribbon is missing from this device, which is not uncommon. The GAR medal also displays well. The medal has taken on a dark bronze patina. The Grand Army of the Republic was founded 6 April, 1866 in Decatur, Illinois by Dr Benjamin F. Stephenson. The GAR's first Commander in Chief, General John Logan is credited with establishing May 30th as Memorial Day. This medal is marked B 6 02 on the flat. The design of the medal, in use since 1869, commemorates the struggle of the Civil War in many ways. The medal is a five pointed star and is made of cannon bronze. The front of the medal has the Goddess of Liberty in the center that represents Loyalty. A soldier and sailor stand on either side clasping hands in front of the Goddess to represent fraternity. Two children kneel in the foreground to receive a benediction and assurance of protection from comrades. This represents charity. On each side of the center group is the flag and eagle representing freedom and an ax and a bundle of rods to represent the Union. Each star point represents an arm of the service. The bugle is for Infantry, cannon for Artillery, crossed muskets for Marines, Crossed sabers for Cavalry and an anchor for Sailors. Worded around the center is the legend "Grand Army of the Republic, 1861 Veterans - 1866". The back of the medal has a laurel branch for victory, the national shield surrounded by the different Corps badges. Each Corps badge is on a keystone to show they are united and will protect the nation. The GAR button appears to be a cuff button. The face depicts the same image as the GAR medal. The reverse side depicts a knapsack. There is no maker mark on this piece. It has taken on a dark bronze patina. The General Staff coat button has taken on a beautiful golden hue. It is in good condition, the shank being slightly bent but no pushes or other deformations. It is back marked SCOVILL MFg CO. WATERBURY. This button is listed in Alphaeus Albert's book "Record of American Uniform and Historical Buttons" as button 13E. I am not sure of the significance of the bullet. It appears to be a dropped .58 caliber Minie three ringer. There is no written documentation for this grouping, oral history only. It is being sold on the merits of the items only. That being said, this is a really cool Union Cavalry grouping, part GAR and part Civil War artifacts. If Yankee Cavalry is your thing, this one is for you!

Item # AA715

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