"Hooker's Old Division"

[rexedgar]

Hello to the group,
I have had an item that was an attic find many years ago. I had some opinions offered when I first got it and they varied as far as to what exactly it was and as to what the value might be. I ws under the impression that it was a badge used when the soldiers got together after the war for the reunions. One person who claimed to be knowledgeable offered the opinion that it was what took the place of a 'dog tag' and was in use during the conflict as a means of identifying the body should the soldier fall in battle. I've included photos of the front and the back. Can anyone shed some light on what it is and how and where to establish a value for it? Thanks in advance, Rex

 

[rexedgar]

Added another front view, anyone?

 

[James N.]

Hello to the group,
I have had an item that was an attic find many years ago. I had some opinions offered when I first got it and they varied as far as to what exactly it was and as to what the value might be. I ws under the impression that it was a badge used when the soldiers got together after the war for the reunions. One person who claimed to be knowledgeable offered the opinion that it was what took the place of a 'dog tag' and was in use during the conflict as a means of identifying the body should the soldier fall in battle. I've included photos of the front and the back. Can anyone shed some light on what it is and how and where to establish a value for it? Thanks in advance, RexView attachment 76231View attachment 76231

This is either a wartime private-purchase or postwar reunion badge, engraved with the name of the soldier, so if wartime it could indeed have been used for identification, as many were. "Hooker's Old Division" refers to the division originally commanded by Maj. Gen. Joseph "Fighting Joe" Hooker, later governor of Massachusetts. He briefly led the entire army in 1863 and later an army corps in 1864. It's diamond-shaped because in spring 1863 the army corps to which it belonged adopted that shape as its corps badge.

 

[Package4]

I researched the soldier and he did serve in both Company H and C, I am concerned with the lack of patina and the length of the pin on the obverse. That said, it does have the correct bar back pin for the period. These type pins were usually post war, while true identification disks were generally hung around the neck with a chain or string. The ID disks were normally stamped large cent coins or sutler disks with a hole drilled through for string or chain.

Other than the patina, did you clean it and the length of the pin it could be wartime or reunion. I would take it to a reputable CW dealer and have an opinion rendered. I like the jeweler engraving, but keep coming back to the lack of patina.

 

[Package4]

Added another front view, anyone?

After a little more digging I found that, if determined authentic, 3rd Corps badges that are inscribed are extremely rare. The Civil War Collectors Guide has that particular Corps at $1,200 plus inscribed.

Your soldier:

Robert S. Kearney
Residence was not listed;
Enlisted on 9/5/1861 as a Sergeant.

On 9/5/1861 he mustered into "H" Co. NJ 8th Infantry
He Re-enlisted on 3/28/1864
He was dishonorably Discharged on 5/18/1865 at Alexandria, VA
(Sentence of General Court Martial)


Promotions:
* Private 11/6/1863 (Reduced to ranks as of Co H)


Intra Regimental Company Transfers:
* from company H to company C