There are only a handful of these 1-1/4" die struck 54th Massachusetts silver ID pins known [b]and this is the only example with the additional engraving for "colored troops".[/b] Badge is engraved with "Ft. Sumter" and the Four Battles of the 54th: Wagner, James Island, Olustee and Darien. Of the other badges known, this is the only example to have engraved abbreviation "Col'd TPs" which is found on either side of the flag on Ft. Sumter. Around the edges of the circular portion of badge is engraved "Corp. Thos. Wood: Co. A. 54 MS". Badge still retains its original t-bar pin. Thomas Woods is listed as a 38 year old Teamster from New York City who enlisted March 9, 1863 as a private in the newly formed black regiment. He was promoted to Corporal and was mustered out August 20, 1865 at Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. In the 2013 text Smithsonian Civil War, 100 Treasures of the Smithsonian Civil War Collection there is illustration and example of another one of these rare badges. Their example is item 89 on page 224 entitled "Badge of Honor". SIZE: PROVENANCE: Bruce Bazelon Collection; Chuck Hart Collection; George Juno, Sr. Collection. CONDITION: Very fine overall. Dark silver patina. 52879-1 JGS (5,000-7,000)