[CIVIL WAR]. 8th Ohio Infantry 1858 pattern forage cap with insignia and II corps badge.

Visor to crown 4 3/8 in. dark blue wool felt forage cap, tarred leather brim, leather chinstrap with 15 mm brass general service eagle buttons, leather sweatband, brown polished cotton lining (mothing, light soil, cracking to chinstrap, sweatband well worn and partially detached); 1 1/4 x 1 3/8 in. silvered die-struck false-embroidered Clagston-made II Corps badge, in embroidered style; width 3 1/2 in. 1858 pattern die-struck brass horn insignia; height 1/2 in. silvered die-struck regimental number "8" (some toning/tarnish to metal). Paper label affixed to interior crown: "Size / No. 2, / 6 7/8 / U. S. Army / L J & I P." Provenance: Stephen Saathoff Collection (sold as Lot 38247 at Heritage Auctions, The Stephen Saathoff Collection of Civil War & Militaria, 13 December 2014).

Attributed to the 8th Ohio Infantry, the regiment was original organized in the opening days of the war as a 3-months unit. Recruited in northeast Ohio and moved to Camp Dennison, they never left the state in their initial enlistment. Many re-enlisted for three years, mustering in on 26 June 1861. They would serve in the Eastern Theater, seeing action at Antietam, Gettysburg, The Wilderness, and Cold Harbor. The 8th is most remembered for its actions in helping to repulse Pickett's Charge at Gettysburg. While facing the Confederate forces, superior in number, the 8th held its advanced position. Supported by artillery fire from Cemetery Hill and Ziegler's Grove, the 8th flanked portions of the Virginia brigade led by Colonel Brockenbrough and succeeded in routing the force. Notably, this was the first brigade to break and flee during Lee's command of the Army of Northern Virginia. By the end of the day, the 8th Ohio had captured of 300 prisoners of war.


The Civil War and American Militaria Collection of Bruce B. Hermann