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

Height 2 1/2 in. front to crown, navy wool felt kepi, tarred and bound leather brim, leather chinstrap with 14 mm brass general service eagle buttons, embossed leather sweatband, brown cotton lining with quilted crown (wool felt appears dark green but was originally navy that has been sun-faded, very minor mothing, expected wear to leathers); 2 1/2 x 1 1/2 in. 1858 pattern medical officer's insignia, gold bullion wreath and silvered letters "M.S." on black velvet (some darkening, a few loses to velvet pile). Officer's name inscribed in ink to interior crown: "H. Ideler / 15 NYHA."

On 9 September 1861, Hermann Ideler enlisted at the age of 41 in New York City as a surgeon and was commissioned on 4 November 1861 into Field & Staff of the 45th New York Infantry, also known as the "5th German Rifles" as it was composed nearly entirely of German immigrants. The unit saw extensive action in Battle of Cross Keyes, Second Bull Run, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg. He was discharged on 18 April 1863 but re-enlisted on 6 June 1863 at Fort Lyon, VA, mustering into the 15th New York Heavy Artillery, dating this kepi to his second enlistment. With this regiment also composed of German immigrants, Ideler participated in the Overland Campaign (including the Battles of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania Court House, Harris Farm, North Anna River, and Cold Harbor), the Siege of Petersburg, Five Forks, and Appomattox. He mustered out at the end of the war on 22 August 1865 at Washington, D.C. Included with the lot are photocopies of muster rolls, letters, and other documents related to Ideler. 

[With:] Approx. length with tassels 116 in., width 4 1/4 in. woven dark green silk medical officer's sash bearing two knots and tassels (occasional darkening, otherwise intact, very solid with good depth of color).