Rare Grouping of Excelsior Brigade Soldier's Image and Two Identification Badges. ... (Total: 5 Items)

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Rare Grouping of Excelsior Brigade Soldier's Image and Two Identification Badges. With this 1/6 plate tintype of Pvt. Henry A. Kraus, Co. E, 73rd N.Y. Vol. Infantry are two excellent silver identification badges, both of which have stamped on the back the markings of a well known maker: "Dr. A. J. Wright/ Fredonia. N.Y." One badge is the more commonly found style by Wright, a shield with the center section cut out around a company letter, in this case "E." Around the border of the badge is inscribed "H. A. Kraus./2 N.Y. F. Zouaves/4 Regt. Ex. Brig." Kraus's unit was also known as the 4th Excelsior Brigade Regiment as well as the Second N.Y. Fire Zouaves as it was heavily recruited from the New York City Fire Department. The second badge is in the shape of a diamond, reflecting its membership in the III Army Corps. On the front is engraved "H. A. Kraus./ 2 N.Y. F. Zouaves/4 Regt. Ex. Brig." surrounding a large engraved company letter "E." Both badges are in excellent condition and have their original t-bar pin backs in place. Kraus's image shows him standing about knees-up, wearing a N.Y. state shell jacket, gauntlets and forage cap with a small pocket pistol thrust in his waistbelt. The image is clear but has modest contrast. With the grouping is Kraus's G.A.R. membership badge and a smaller "50 Years" membership badge with his name engraved on the back. Kraus was a native New Yorker who enlisted at age 19 in June, 1861 and mustered out in July, 1864 at Petersburg. The 73rd was part of all the major battles of the Army of the Potomac as part of the illustrious Excelsior Brigade and lost 50 percent of its strength at Gettysburg on July 2. A fine grouping from a legendary regiment.