Infantry officer’s hat insignia and cord worn by Medal of Honor recipient John M. Deane of the 29th Massachusetts.

The regulation insignia is made of black cloth; gold bullion embroidery and sequins form a looped bugle, indicating infantry. It has two false embroidered numerals fastened inside the loop indicating the 29th regiment. The officer’s hat cord is constructed of gold bullion woven with black thread. It features a netted adjuster slide and "acorns."

These two items were originally part of an extensive archive of material belonging to John M. Deane that was preserved and passed down to his descendants. John Milton Deane (1840-1914) saw early service in the 3rd Mass 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 two preceding lots and lot 208 "LIST OF NEW 54TH MASSACHUSETTS RECRUITS."

[Civil War, Union, Confederate, Uniforms, Insignia, Hats, Militaria, Accoutrement, Ephemera, Headgear]