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

Approx. 1 1/4 x 1 1/2 in. metal shield badge; T-bar attached to reverse (some darkening/tarnishing). Badge engraved: "E.W. Whipple / Co. B N.Y. / Cavelry [sic] / 5th." 

E.W. Whipple enlisted at 41 years in Barton, NY on 30 December 1863 as a private, mustering in on the same day into Co. B of the 5th New York Cavalry. Serving for three years, he mustered out with the company on 19 July 1865 at Winchester, VA. The 5th New York Cavalry was highly regarded for the fighting prowess, serving in important roles at the Battle of Hanover and the Battle of Wilderness and participating in nearly 175 battles and skirmishes, particularly in Virginia, including Gettysburg, Opequon, and Cedar Creek.