Irish Brigade Cap Badge

[The Irish Brigade]

Good evening Ladies and gents,

I have a question regarding the rarity of Irish Brigade Cap badges. I am in the market looking for one and I have found one so far, which leads me to believe they are not the most commen type of relic. Also, would it be insulting to ask what a fair price to pay for one with information on where it was found?
There is a relic Irish brigade cap badge found in Antietam for sale for $800! That seems and awful lot.

Thanks, Pat

 

[FranklinGuardsNYSM]

Yes, $800 seems like a lot for something that's probably fake.

Think for a moment...are you looking for an original of something you've actually seen in a period photograph or account, or are you looking for an original of something you've only heard about and seen reenactors wear just because they can?

You'll answer your own question.

There was an excellent survey of relics found in the position of the Irish Brigade at Antietam, which included New York State buttons, miraculous medals, rosaries...no harps that I recall.

 

[The Irish Brigade]

Yes, I am looking for an original relic Irish Brigade Kepi badge.

I know how rare they are in photos, and I know that the majoraty (Even me) discovered their existance by seeing them worn in the hundreds at reenactor events. But, that said I know they existed and that they are rare. You buy the item, not the story but it would be nice to find one with solid information on where it was found. So far, I have found only one. I dont know how well they fake civil war era item's so as for originallity I could'nt say. But I wont look further in on this one due to the price.

I remember seeing a photo of it in wear somewhere online, but I have no idea where. Could someone who has one for reference please show it?

Thanks, Patrick

 

[Historyprof]

Irish Brigade,
I believe that FAR more Irish harp badges are worn by reenactors than were ever worn by the real soldiers.
I have noted that they are popular with reenactors. I would guess that it is easier to put on a harp badge to portray an Irish immigrant than to try to do a German accent to portray a German immigrant.
(My CW ancestors were of Irish, Welsh, Scot, and German descent.)

 

[frontrank2]

25 years ago my first impression was an Irish Brigade private. My company commander who was very knowledgeable told me the Irish harp badge was worn by members of the Fenian Brotherhood. They were NOT military issue. There is a surviving specimen in the Smithsonian ( I beleive ) that has the harp on the side of the kepi. The reason for this was it not being of military issue.

 

[101combatvet]

I believe Stanley's relic book had a photograph of one. Many variations since they were a private purchased item. If I found one.... and it was complete I wouldn't sell it for less.