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

Approx. overall 1 3/8 x 2 7/8 in. gold plated and enamel three-part silver badge; T-bar pin to reverse (some loss to plating, minor surface scratches, small loss to enamel).

A War-era badge designed to commemorate the service of General George D. Bayard's "flying brigade," composed of the 1st New Jersey Cavalry, 1st Pennsylvania Cavalry, Kane's Battalion of "Bucktail" Infantry, and Hall's 5th Maine Battery. Pin hanger reads "Fredericksburg" which denotes Bayard's mortal wounding at the Battle of Fredericksburg. The middle section features a silver horseshoe with black enamel reading "Bayards Brigade / Bayard." The center of the horseshoe is engraved with the 4 regiments beneath crossed sabers. The reverse lists the brigade's "Roll of Honor" with notable engagements: "Woodstock, VA / Harrisonburg / Cross Keys / Cedar Mountain / Brandy Station / Rappahannock / Thoroughfare Gap. / Gainesville / Bull Run / Warrenton / Fredericksburg." The lower portion features a McClellan saddle and saddlebag in gold and blue enamel.

Contemporary war-time photographs, including a CDV portrait of Col. John W. Kester of the 1st NJ Cavalry (private collection), show soldiers of the brigade wearing the distinctive badge. The prominence of Fredericksburg indicates that it was likely crafted after this engagement as Captain Craft saw more battles after. Another example of the badge is illustrated on p. 172 in the Union volume of Echoes of Glory.   

Engraved to William S. Craft who enlisted on 12 February 1863 as a sergeant in the Co. H of the 1st Pennsylvania Cavalry. He was promoted to first lieutenant on 22 October 1862, and again to captain on 12 February 1863. The Gettysburg monument to Company H notes that they "arrived on field with Sixth Corps...Capt. Wm. S. Craft commanding." On 28 May 1864, he was shot in the right leg at Hawes' Shop, VA, requiring amputation.