Union. Army of the James. 6th Connecticut Volunteers, X Corps KIA "Company" Identification Badge. Silver. Extremely Fine.
24.5 mm. 2.22 grams. Circular pinback badge with peripheral inscriptions WM. T. BRADLEY / 6TH.. CONN. VOLS 10TH.. A.C., center with letter F on stippled background and surrounded by simple scrollwork. Richly and originally toned overall, this rare piece is nicely preserved apart from a bend to the pin. William T. Bradley was initially mustered into Union Army on April 24, 1861, with the 3rd Connecticut Volunteers, with which unit he saw action at the First Battle of Bull Run (First Manassas). He mustered out at Hartford on August 12, 1861, but re-entered the service on September 7 of the same year with the 6th Connecticut Volunteers, and re-enlisted with the same unit on December 24, 1863. He eventually reached the rank of first lieutenant, and was mortally wounded at Bermuda Hundred, Virginia when the 6th Connecticut was serving in the Army of the James under Benjamin Butler. Linked to an officer who made the supreme sacrifice in defense of the Union, this rare badge is sure to see spirited bidding.
From Heritage's Civil War & Militaria Signature Auction of June 2013, lot 32072.