American Historical Ephemera and Photography Featuring the Civil War and American Militaria Collection of Bruce B. Hermann

2 1/2 x 2 3/4 in. engraved silver suspension badge (light surface scratches). 

Elaborately engraved, the obverse includes visual puns and the text: "Hooker / Corps." with engraved hooks; "[tree] / Division" perhaps a pun on Humphreys/Humph"trees"; and "[boxcars] / Brigade" representing Carr's Brigade. The border features the surnames of senior generals: "McClellan. / Pope. / Meade. / Burnside." The reverse border identifies the owner and regimental designations: "Segt. Chas. F. Browne. / Co. F. First Regt. / Mass. Vols. / Boston." The center is engraved with 17 engagements that Browne and the 1st Massachusetts Infantry saw action in, including Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg, all three of which saw Browne wounded in action. 

Charles F. Browne was a 32-year-old printer from Boston when he enlisted on 24 May 1861 as a corporal, mustering into Company F of the 1st Massachusetts Infantry. The badge here is a testament to the heavy fighting the regiment saw in the Eastern Theater. After First and Second Bull Run, Browne was promoted to sergeant on 1 November 1862, before being wounded in action at Fredericksburg ("slightly wounded," 14 December 1862), Chancellorsville ("slight wound shoulder," 2 May 1863), and again at Gettysburg ("wounded hand," 2 July 1863). 

After Gettysburg, the records on Brown become conflicted. A muster roll notes that he was discharged on 19 October 1863, with another roll noting that Browne has been "absent or detached" in November and December 1863. The Civil War Database details that Browne was discharged from the 1st Massachusetts for promotion to captain of the 37th United States Colored Troops on 19 October 1863 (corresponding with the discharge muster roll). The 37th USCT personnel files note that he was dismissed on 31 August 1867. There are three documents from April 1864, however, that state Private Charles F. Browne of Co. F, 1st Massachusetts Infantry died on 21 April 1864 on the way to the hospital. There is nothing, however, to indicate that Browne was reduced in ranks to private. Nor is there another Charles F. Browne in the 1st Massachusetts that these documents may refer to. (Lot includes photocopies of muster rolls, casualty sheets, and death-related documents).