Excavated, ornate silver ID badge. Finely engraved: "J.M.M. / Fourth Battalion Rifles / B / 13th Mass Vol". Reverse lacking attachment pin. Provenance: Dug in Stafford County, Virginia, over 30 years ago.

A finely engraved ID badge identified to Private Joseph M. Morill, Company B 13th Massachusetts Infantry, who was captured at Gettysburg.

Morrill was a 20 year-old marketman when he joined the 13th Massachusetts in April, 1861. He was captured at the Battle of 2nd Bull Run, but was paroled on the field and returned to his regiment. At Gettysburg, the 13th Massachusetts fought with the 2nd Division of the First Corps at Mummasburg Road northwest of town. Their actions slowed the advance of Confederate forces but cost the regiment dearly; 11 men were killed, 80 were wounded, 70 were captured, and 34 went missing. Morrill was among the captured. He would later be exchanged in May 1864, and was mustered out on August 1st.

The quality of the engraving suggests the pin would have been executed by a professional jewelry or engraver rather than a camp sutler. A luxury item.


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