Civil War Jeff Davis Hat pin, recovered from Fredericksburg, Virginia Battlefield

This is another nice item being offered, it is a Civil War Eagle (“Jeff Davis”) Hardee Hat Insignia. It is typical of what would be adorned on the side of Civil War Hardee hats (see picture of original hat). It was recovered many years ago at the Fredericksburg Virginia Battlefield.

On November 14, 1862, Union General Ambrose Burnside sent a corps to occupy the vicinity of Falmouth near Fredericksburg, Virginia. Lee reacted by entrenching his army on the heights behind the town. On December 13, after pontoon bridges were laid, Union forces crossed the Rappahannock River under fire.

Burnside mounted a series of futile frontal assaults on Prospect Hill and Marye's Heights that resulted in staggering casualties. On December 15, Burnside called off the offensive and recrossed the river, ending the failed campaign.

Today when these insignias are recovered, they are usually in pieces because they were made from very thin brass. The condition of this one shows some splits in the brass, but overall, it is still solid.  It is very difficult to find one of these insignias in good condition today. It comes in the glass top display case pictured.