Original Civil War “MS” Medical Surgeons Cloth Insignia

This bullion embroidered oval badge being offered is the regulation insignia worn on surgeons kepis of the army’s medical department or medical staff. A gilt laurel wreath surrounding the silver letters ”MS” for medical staff in Old English. It measures 2 ¾” x 2”.

By the sheer number and proportion of officers involved, anything medical related in the Civil War collecting field is scarce. At the regimental level only one surgeon and one assistant surgeon were authorized for a regiment at the beginning of the war, and this was expanded only by a second assistant surgeon in the latter part of 1862, leaving material related to them ten times rarer at least.

Needless to say, they were essential to a regiment in camp and on the battlefield, where they were frequently under fire at advanced aid stations and even at higher level brigade and division hospitals not far from the front lines.

This insignia is not a surplus piece but one that no doubt been through the war. The letters “MS” are worn, but still can be made out. I show some period images of officers wearing this insignia (see pictures). It comes in the glass top display case pictured.