Confederate Kepi Company Letter “K” Insignia, dug at Fort Fisher, NC (SOLD)

This is another unique item being offered, it is a Confederate Company letter “K” with a lead-filled back. It measures just about one inch and typically it would have been worn on the soldier’s cap (a period example is shown). This piece was recovered many years ago at the outer defenses of Confederate Ft. Fisher, NC (see pictures).

After being informed about the large Union army heading toward Wilmington, General Lee ordered Major General Robert Hoke's Division to Fort Fisher. Also, Hoke took command of all Confederate forces in the Wilmington area.

The Union attack started on December 24, 1864, with a naval bombardment. The firepower of Fort Fisher was temporarily silenced because some of its gun positions exploded. This allowed the Navy to land Union infantry. The landing force was intercepted by the arrival of Hoke's troops. The Union attack was effectively thwarted, and on December 27 Benjamin Butler ordered the withdrawal of his 1,000 soldiers who were still on the beach. This was in defiance of Grant's orders, which were to besiege the fort if the assault failed. Because Butler disobeyed his orders, he was relieved of command by Grant.

This piece remains solid, even for being under ground for so many years. The extreme crudeness of this letter validates it being a Confederate piece, possibly handmade. It comes in the glass top display case pictured.