Civil War soldier's folk art shield brooch "made from a Rebel bone" by Private Hudson S. Oakes, Company B, 20th Maine Infantry.

2 x 1 1/2 in. bone brooch (2 small holes present at top and bottom for placement on a T-bar pin and C hook, neither of which are present, with chip in upper right corner). Artistically crafted by Private Hudson S. Oakes during the Civil War and presented a month before his death to his grandson Roland, 26 March 1895, on the occasion of Roland’s first birthday. Across the top "H.S. Oakes 20 Me." Beneath this is an opening for a photograph. The rest of the shield is beautifully decorated with a prominent painted 1st division, V Corps badge flanked by patriotic shields and floral designs.

[With:] 2 ink inscribed envelopes. The first envelope contained the brooch and reads, “Roland E. Oakes / From H.S. Oakes / Made from a rebel’s bone." The second reads, “To Roland / on his first birthday / Mch 26, 1895 / from his Grandfather Oakes.” Accompanying this lot is a large archive of documentation including copies of Hudson’s military records and census records.

Hudson Oakes, a resident of Foxcroft, Maine, enlisted on 19 July 1862. In a 27 March 1865 statement, Hudson wrote, "I enlisted July, 19, 1862 for three years. I was able to perform service promptly with the company without interruption until August 1864, at which time I was taken with chronic Diarrhea…” This statement is corroborated by his company muster rolls that show him present through August 1864.

A wonderful piece of soldier’s art enhanced by the 20th Maine’s famous participation in the defense of Little Round Top at the battle of Gettysburg 2 July 1863.

The Civil War Collection of James C. Frasca