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

Approx. 7/8 x 1 3/16 in. silvered stamped brass; brass hooks soldered to reverse (silvering retained to reverse only).

One of the only unit-specific badges worn during the war, the rooster badge is associated with the 7th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, nicknamed "The Roosters. How the regiment received the designation is not entirely clear, but it is reported that their commander Colonel Creighton would crow like a rooster before battle. The 7th Ohio saw heavy action, participating at Second Bull Run, Antietam, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Chattanooga, and the Atlanta Campaign.