Yankee Ladder Badges - Civil War Units

[SCF-Collector]

Yankee ladder badges are certainly much more common and generally less expensive than the Confederate examples (but certainly not cheap). There area variety of general styles and variations available to collect - with some absolutely amazing pieces that will leave you speechless. I saw one not long ago - a traditional 4-bar badge when you looked at it - but jeweler engraved on the back of the bars with the soldier's name and service record (battles) all recorded. It was an amazing piece.

 

In my experience ladder badge collectors come in many flavors. I've met collectors that try to find badges for every unit in a Brigade (e.g., Wilder's Brigade), for every unit that participated in a given battle, or just examples to illustrate the many different styles. Some like to collect named badges, others like the unnamed unit badges. There's something for every taste in this area.

 

Below are some examples of unnamed Yankee ladder badges illustrating some of the variety that's possible in collecting these pieces. I thought I would seed this thread with these examples in hopes that we can draw out some others to illustrate the collecting possibilities.

 

I'll post some sample named ladder badges shortly to illustrate that branch in the ladder badge collecting tree.

 

 

The Artillery unit badges would typically have a red ribbon - consistent with the color pattern observed with other badges - assuming they survive (they are fairly rare - originals anyway). This is a typical 4-bar badge with the most-often-encountered tassel drop. You'll see these with Company or Battery reference bars - I've actually seen both.

 

 

This is probably the most unusual ladder badge in my collection - and from my experience one of the rarer varieties - for a US Navy Surgeon. It's one of two Navy badges I own - the other having and Engineer bar. I can't recall seeing but maybe 1-2 other Naval Veteran ladder badges over the years. Notice that the bars and construction are the same - right down to the lettering (IMO).

 

 

A standard infantry unit ladder badge - with the tassel drop - 131st Pennsylvania.

 

 

This is an unusual ladder badge for a number of reasons. First of all - the bars are in the style most often encountered with ID'd "shield-style" badges - vs. the standard ones shown in the other examples. Second, it shows service in two different units - one Infantry, the other Cavalry. While one might be tempted to think this is a mash-up (Frankenstein) piece, it's not. The construction/aging/etc is all consistent with an original badge and these are encountered often enough that they shouldn't raise any particular alarm. And lastly, the shield drop for Shiloh 1862. Some Veteran had that made-up special order I suspect (made right there at the reunion I'd imagine.

 

 

Okay, I've started the discussion - so let's see some other examples!

[Keith]

Nice badges in your collection, and thanks for sharing them and for starting this topic. I have three I would like to share.

 

The first is my favorite. The soldier started out in the 22nd Missouri Infantry, Company F. Then the whole Company was transfered to the 24th Missouri, Company E. So he wore both since he was a veteran of both.....

 

The next badge is part of a grouping of the 1st Iowa Light Artillery. I will show a close up of the badge and then a shot of the group:

 

The last badge is also part of a grouping. It is a Missouri Sons of Veterans organization. I will show close ups of the badge and some other items and then a shot of the group.

 

Thank you.

[SCF-Collector]

Outstanding pieces Keith - thanks for posting them!

 

I really like the 22nd/24th Missouri badge - it's an unusual style in terms of the markings on the bars - and it's a just plain impressive looking badge!

 

The 1st Iowa Light Artillery grouping is cool.I really like groupings that include ladder badges. The other pieces just make it a more complete picture of the Veteran. I like the badge - with the 40-Rounds/Corp Badge drop. That blank top bar - I've heard it theorized that this was done with the idea that the Veteran would eventually have it engraved with their name. The thought was that the vendors of these standard bar ladder badges usually didn't do the stamp engraving (wrong term, I know) for names like the folks that sold the shield-type badges. I've seen a number of them with this blank top bar. It's a good theory anyway!

 

I forgot all about the Veteran organization ladder badges like you've shown! It's great that you've added it here. I own one shield type for the Sons of Veterans - with a name stamped on it. I also have two Confederate Veteran ladder badges (both shield-type) - one for a former Camp Commander and the other for a lady (believe it or not) who was the Sponsor of a UCV Camp in South Carolina. You actually don't see all that many SV ladder badges - I wonder why that is? Maybe they fell out of style?

 

I find the similarity between the styles of your 22/24 Missouri and the SV Missouri pieces very interesting. It's any unusual style bar that you don't see often. I wonder if that indicates a local Missouri maker that might have produced both pieces?

 

And I have to ask - what's the furry thing with the red ribbon in the SV grouping? It looks like a hedge-hog or something - very interesting ribbon hanger!

 

Great stuff Keith - thanks!

[oldfireguy]

Nice badges both of you. What is the little critter?

[Keith]

Outstanding pieces Keith - thanks for posting them!

 

I really like the 22nd/24th Missouri badge - it's an unusual style in terms of the markings on the bars - and it's a just plain impressive looking badge!

 

The 1st Iowa Light Artillery grouping is cool.I really like groupings that include ladder badges. The other pieces just make it a more complete picture of the Veteran. I like the badge - with the 40-Rounds/Corp Badge drop. That blank top bar - I've heard it theorized that this was done with the idea that the Veteran would eventually have it engraved with their name. The thought was that the vendors of these standard bar ladder badges usually didn't do the stamp engraving (wrong term, I know) for names like the folks that sold the shield-type badges. I've seen a number of them with this blank top bar. It's a good theory anyway!

 

I forgot all about the Veteran organization ladder badges like you've shown! It's great that you've added it here. I own one shield type for the Sons of Veterans - with a name stamped on it. I also have two Confederate Veteran ladder badges (both shield-type) - one for a former Camp Commander and the other for a lady (believe it or not) who was the Sponsor of a UCV Camp in South Carolina. You actually don't see all that many SV ladder badges - I wonder why that is? Maybe they fell out of style?

 

I find the similarity between the styles of your 22/24 Missouri and the SV Missouri pieces very interesting. It's any unusual style bar that you don't see often. I wonder if that indicates a local Missouri maker that might have produced both pieces?

 

And I have to ask - what's the furry thing with the red ribbon in the SV grouping? It looks like a hedge-hog or something - very interesting ribbon hanger!

 

Great stuff Keith - thanks!

Thanks for the kind words about my items. I was hoping you could tell me what the furry thing was. I am sure it was the nickname of their 'Camp' but I don't know what it is. I haven't researched it that much. I did read in my research that the Sons of Veterans, when they first formed, were a "para-military" group (my words) and served duty in parades and other activities and carried weapons. They were authorized to wear the uniform of the Army thus the hat device and the infantry chevrons.

 

I would think it would be possible for one vendor to have provided both badges as you mentioned, since both were in Missouri. The dual Regiment badge was purchased from the family and I have the name of the Vet. The other two groups were purchased from a local shop. The Iowa badge has paper work with it so it too has a name associated with it. The SV group does not and to be truthful the hat device was purchased from the shop months before the other items walked in....just a coincidence I guess.

 

A point of interest is that the Iowa group and the SV group came to the shop together. Also the Iowa group has a St. Louis Post medal. So although he served in the Iowa Artillery he either relocated to Missouri or was from Missouri.

 

I also read your topic on the Confederate badges and I have never came across one for sale...yet. You would think here in Missouri there would be a few, but then again there are a lot of Missourians that collect this stuff and any that comes available doesn't lay around very long. Keep up the good work!

[SCF-Collector]

As promised, below are a few examples of "named" Yankee ladder badges. These are often referred to as "shield ladder badges" due to the basic style of the main drop - but they still are classified generally as ladder badges.

 

It's interesting to note that it's not uncommon to find incorrect spelling on these badges. You can imagine someone at a reunion stamping these out (adding names/ranks) and making a mistake. I wonder if they received a discount for the error(s)?

 

FYI, the soldier summaries after two of these badges were pulled from the document I create in a "box" in my word processor - then print and glue to the back of the riker box. It's my way of remembering the research I've done on a soldier or piece when I pick it up later <g>.

 

Sgt. John M. Prentiss, Co. K

Enlisted 8-13-1862 (Private), Promoted to Sergeant 9-24-1862, Demoted to Private 12-1-1864, Discharged 5-16-1865

 

Notable Service, Grover's Independent Brigade, Defense of Washington - Against Guerrilla Incursions. Nineteenth Army Corps, Sheridan's Army of the Shenandoah - Deep Bottom, Winchester, Halltown, Berryville, Lock's Ford, Opequan (Winchester), Fishers' Hill, Tom's Brook, Cedar Creek

 

The regiment made four sea voyages, traveled fifteen thousand miles, and served in seven states of the Confederacy.

 

8 Officers Killed or Mortally Wounded; 4 Officers Died of Disease/Accidents; 63 Enlisted Men Killed or Mortally Wounded; 157 Enlisted Men Died of Disease/Accidents

 

Oneida Independent Cavalry Company

Pvt. John E. Vickerman

Enlisted 10-23-1861 at Oneida, Private, Age 23. Discharged 10-25-1864 at Petersburg

Assigned to the Headquarters, Army of the Potomac, Performing Escort and Guard Duty, Providing Couriers, and Raiding and Reconnaissance Assignments.

 

Served at the Headquarters of Generals McClellan, Burnside, Hooker, and Meade. A Detachment Also Served at Grant's Headquarters.

 

Present at all Important Battles Fought by the Army of the Potomac, From the Siege of Yorktown in 1862 to the Surrender of Lee at Appomattox.

 

Monument to the Company at Gettysburg, Dedicated in 1905 – Last NY Monument Erected

 

Captain A. H. VanDeuson

 

I don't have a service summary for Captain VanDeuson prepared. I've included this badge because of the ribbon it came with. It's the one and only ladder badge I've seen with a ribbon with a rank on it. It's a odd color as well (doesn't appear to be a faded darker blue). I've had a number of folks look at this and they all agreed that the ribbon looks to be original to the badge. I guess this is just another example of the variety that can be found in collecting ladder badges.

 

[Keith]

Regarding the last badge with the white ribbon; and you probably already know this, but the Infantry color changed from blue to white around 1885. If this badge was purchased after 1885 the white color COULD be to represent Infantry?? keith

[SCF-Collector]

I believe you are correct Keith. The problem is that this ribbon, at least to my eyes, is a light blue and not white. I've seen ladder badges with the white ribbon but this one isn't even a "dirty" white. Maybe this is the only blue the vendor had available? I wonder if Albert H. VanDeusen lived past 1885? Worth checking I guess - see if the white ribbon is even a possibility.

 

Regarding the last badge with the white ribbon; and you probably already know this, but the Infantry color changed from blue to white around 1885. If this badge was purchased after 1885 the white color COULD be to represent Infantry?? keith

[barker944]

I did read in my research that the Sons of Veterans, when they first formed, were a "para-military" group (my words) and served duty in parades and other activities and carried weapons. They were authorized to wear the uniform of the Army thus the hat device and the infantry chevrons.

 

When the Sons of Veterans were first established they were classed as a Cadet Corps (the "Sons" then were still actually youths) and were an official part of the Army reserve. They were later called up for the Spanish American War. Later they changed their name to Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, relinguished their military function and concentrated on their fraternal duties. The military functiuon is still commemorated by a subsidiary group the "Sons of Veterans Reserve".

 

Are these ladder badges made of silver or some other metal?

 

Jim

[Keith]

When the Sons of Veterans were first established they were classed as a Cadet Corps (the "Sons" then were still actually youths) and were an official part of the Army reserve. They were later called up for the Spanish American War. Later they changed their name to Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, relinguished their military function and concentrated on their fraternal duties. The military functiuon is still commemorated by a subsidiary group the "Sons of Veterans Reserve".

 

Are these ladder badges made of silver or some other metal?

 

Jim

I believe mine are some other metal...they are not marked as silver anyway. Thanks for the above information. I was unaware of Spanish American War service...could that be where my chevrons and hat device originated from?

[SCF-Collector]

I believe ladder badges were constructed of what's known as German or Nickel Silver. The link is to the Wikipedia entry if you're interested in more details. This line from that entry seems to apply here:

 

In the 19th century, particularly after 1868, sheets of German silver became widely available to

Plains Indian

jewelers. They used them to cut, stamp, and cold hammer a wide range of accessories and horse gear.

You rarely find any marks on the standard bar-type ladder badges. It is however not uncommon to find the selling agent's mark on the shield-style ladder badges.

[KevinBeyer]

Thank you for posting these fantastic ladder badges. I really learned a lot from this post. I have seen these types of badges for sale here and there, but I never really appreciated them until seeing them collected as such.

 

Thanks again!

 

Kevin

[KevinBeyer]

While re-reading this thread and looking at all of these amazing pieces, I thought of a question. Where did these ladder badges come from? Where they private purchases from a jeweler? Where they sold at reunions by vendors? Where they sold by badge and novelty companies through mail order? How did the original veteran obtain his ladder badge?

 

Kevin

[ron norman]

While re-reading this thread and looking at all of these amazing pieces, I thought of a question. Where did these ladder badges come from? Where they private purchases from a jeweler? Where they sold at reunions by vendors? Where they sold by badge and novelty companies through mail order? How did the original veteran obtain his ladder badge?

 

Kevin

During the Civil War sutlers (Vendors ) would be at the places that the Units were mustered out to sell them all sorts of Medals,Badges Fancy lithographed scrolls with most of the Items personalized to the Individule or to the units. Evidence indicates that the ladder badges started during the war and some were known into the Spanish American War era. These same vendors also sold food,tobacco,trinckets and any thing for a profit. The same vendors or new ones would also follow the local, state and national GAR and UCV reunions to sell their goods.Also there were mail order and catalog companies including Sears that sold to the vets.

 

Ron Norman

[SCF-Collector]

Good information Ron - thanks for adding it!

 

You definitely see ads for these badges in various Veteran publications.

 

Ladder badges definitely existed up through the Spanish-American War period. I have two in my collection - including one standard bar-type (single bar and tassel drop) for Camp Alger in Falls Church, Virginia (training camp for span-am soldiers, some 31K of them over the time it was in operation). I've always thought this one odd since it doesn't identify a unit - just "Alger".

 

I tend to hold to the theory that the shield-type badges with the let's just call it "unsteady" customized stamping (e.g., name) - including mis-spellings - were made on-the-spot at some sort of event. I'd imagine you could mail-order these stamped with names - but I would tend to think those would have shown better quality-control!

 

I haven't seen that many ladder badges that are marked in any way in terms of the vendor. I checked the two shield-type badges I posted earlier - both are unmarked. So I dug out two others, a 174th Ohio and a Sons of Veterans (Dept of PA) - both shield-type. These happen to be identical style/construction badges - so I guess it's not that big of a surprise that they are identically double-marked (stamped on back) as follows:

 

J.S. Ginger

Sole Agent

St. Louis

(stamped at top, back of shield drop)

Trebus & Steiner

St. Louis

(Stamped at bottom, back of shield drop)

On one you can even see a faint doubt stamp of the second mark just above the actual stamp.

 

I did a quick check - and the Trebus & Steiner mark apparently dates these two badges as having been made between 1885-1899. Here's the detail from a web page on Steiner:

 

Charles W. Steiner attended the public schools and also pursued an art course in the Washington University, attending a night class. In 1875 he took up engraving and in 1881 he entered the employ of J. J. Linck & Company, engravers, of St. Louis. In 1885 he purchased the interest of Mr. Linck in the business, and the firm name of Trebus

&

Steiner was then assumed. Under this caption the business was continued until 1899 when it was incorporated as the Steiner Engraving & Badge Company, Mr. Trebus retiring from the firm at that time.

I guess there's no way of knowing for sure how this one pair of vendors managed to provide a 174th Ohio and a Sons of Veterans Camp member from Pennsylvania. A common reunion event, different reunion events, a mail-order catalog business - who knows. It certainly supports the information provided by Ron!

[Bob Hudson]

I picked up a Civil War grouping last week and finally got time today to start doing some research on the pieces in it. A Google search brought me right back to the forum!

 

Here's the named piece and below the grouping as framed behind glass (my thread about the grouping is at http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/ind...howtopic=114202 )