November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2022
Beautiful silver identification badge consisting of a charging dragoon with pistol in relief in the middle of an open circle on which is professionally engraved in fine script, "Presented to Lieut. L.H. Greenwald / Co. M Coles Md. Cav.". Also designated 1st Regiment Potomac Home Brigade, Maryland Cavalry, the unit was extremely active and credited with 80 engagements. Initially organized as a battalion of Maryland companies, they were active in patrolling the Maryland side of the Potomac, and scouting the upper Potomac and the Shenandoah, engaging in small unit actions as well as covering the retreat from Winchester in 1863, etc. Expanded to a full regiment in early 1864, they served under Hunter at Lynchburg and then in Merritt's cavalry division of Sheridan's Army of the Shenandoah, finally mustering out in June 1865. Born in Darmstadt, Germany, Leonard H. Greenwald had prior wartime service as a private in the 12th PA Cavalry, mustering into Co. B 30 January 1862. The regiment served in the Army of the Potomac and then under Averill in the 8th Corps on the upper Potomac, Department of Susquehanna, and Dept. of West Virginia. This prior experience likely helped put him in line for a commission in Coles Cavalry when it expanded to a full regiment. He enlisted and mustered into the unit at Baltimore 22 February 1864 as a private in Co. F and rapidly to sergeant and then on April 22 to 2nd Lieutenant of Co. M, which was then organizing and had reached minimum strength. On completion of the company he was promoted to its Captain 17 February 1865, with rank effective from Feb. 13, neatly bracketing the possible dates of the presentation of the badge, and served until mustered out with the regiment 28 June 1865. CONDITION: Excellent. The reverse retains a delicate T-bar pin. Pictured in "Arm Makers of Maryland", pg. 114. A very good looking badge presented to a cavalry officer with very active service.
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