Original Civil War cloth corps badges are easily fabricated. But this badge, without question, is an authentic example that was issued to Medal of Honor recipient John M. Deane of the 29th Massachusetts.

The 9th corps badge, shaped like a shield, is affixed to a card-mount that Deane inscribed "Badge of the 9th Army corps issued to me while in the Army...John M. Deane."

John Milton Deane (1840-1914) saw early service in the 3rd Massachusetts Volunteer Militia and then went immediately into the 29th Mass., rising from 1st Lieutenant to Adjutant, Captain to Major. The 29th is perhaps best known for its service in the Irish Brigade, but also had very active service after its transfer to the 9th Corps in late 1862. Deane served throughout the war and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions at Fort Stedman, which thwarted Lee’s last attempt to break the siege of Petersburg. His service is also notable in that he assisted in escorting the 54th Massachusetts to Morris Island in January of 1864.

For more items related to Deane, please see the preceding and succeeding lots (# 406 & 408), as well as lot 208 "LIST OF NEW 54TH MASSACHUSETTS RECRUITS."

[Civil War, Union, Confederate, Abraham Lincoln, Robert E. Lee, Insignia, Corps Badges, Uniforms, Medals, Accoutrement, Medals, Relics]