Extremely rare style rider on horseback silver I.D. pin from the most famous cavalry regt. in the Civil War!  We had to travel half way across the country to an estate sale in Maine to pick up this rare beauty.  The pin belonged to “John Gallangher, Co. K, 1^st ME. CAV.”  At the start of the Civil War, John lived in Fort Fairfield, Maine and he was 35 years old.  He is listed in the regimental history as a farmer and was born in Wichlen, New Brunswick.  He was mustered into service on 11/2/1861 for three years and he served all three years mustering out on 11/25/1864.   During the war he was promoted Corporal but declined and served as an orderly for General Ord in May of 1862.  The 1^st Maine Cavalry was known for having the finest men and horses in the Union Army.  Some of their significant battles included Brandy Station (the largest Cavalry battle ever fought), Aldie, Middleburg, Upperville, Gettysburg, Shepherdstown, Spotsylvania Court House, and Saint Mary’s Church.  The pin is slightly bigger than a quarter, about an inch wide and is made of silver.  It is a non-excavated piece but the pin on the reverse is missing.  Apparently, when the pin got broken off the rider on the horse sustained a neck injury (you can see a small crack), but fortunately, he did not become a headless horsemen!  In the past 40 years, we have only seen 3 or 4 of this style of I.D. come up for sale.  A truly great piece!

# A4 - Price $3250