3rd Corps Badge 3rd Division Army of the Potomac, Schuylkill Arsenal manufacture

3rd Corps 3rd Division, Army of the Potomac, Schuylkill Arsenal manufacture. I'm not sure why, but 3rd Corps badges are not often encountered. Here we have an excellent example in excellent condition, manufactured by the most desirable of all Corps Badge manufacturers, Schuylkill Arsenal in Philadelphia, all of whose products are war-time manufacture. They are best known by the front frame tabs that penetrate the back-piece and fold over, a sandwich design that very effectively locking in place the colored cloth fabric corresponding to the soldier's division.

This particular Corps Badge is excellent condition, nice patina on brass frame, excellent condition blue center-piece, and original period t-bar hinge pin. The scarcity of 3rd Corps badges may be due to the fact the Corps was terminated in 1864 and combined into the 2nd, 5th, and 6th Corps. Perhaps many of the soldiers discarded their 3rd Corps badges in favor of the badges of their new respective Corps. The 3rd Corps was organized in March of 1862 and was forefront in the Peninsula Campaign, then late in 1862 and early 1863 campaigned throughout Northern Virginia with the Army of the Potomac, participating in all those major engagements, including Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, before their famous days at Gettysburg.

At Gettysburg General Sickles placed the Corps well in advance of the Union lines, to take advantage of some isolated high ground. This led to the Corps being hammered from two directions and the casualties of the 3rd Corps at Gettysburg were devastating.

While Sickles has been highly criticized for his forward deployment, ironically it very likely saved Little Round Top from capture on the 2nd day of the battle, as Longstreet's Corps had to make a much longer March to flank the Union left than they otherwise would have had to have done, to get in position for their assault on Little Round Top. It was late afternoon before the Little Round Top assault would ever get started, and likely would have succeeded had the Rebels been in position and launched their assault even a couple hours earlier. Meanwhile the 3rd Corps was decimated in desperate fighting in the Peach Orchard and Wheat Field sectors of the battle. Corps Badges were introduced by General Joseph Hooker as an organization assistance and morale booster in the Army of the Potomac. They quickly caught on throughout all the Union Armies.

Corps Badges were made by many manufacturers; some in high quantities, some in lower quantities, and were also made of various material and levels of quality. Fabric Corps Badges in the shape of their Corps symbol, sewn on to the crown of their Kepi, were by far the most common, however more of the metal versions survive simply because of deterioration of fabric. Most officers wore embellished embroidered fabric versions of significantly higher quality and appeal, or metal Corps Badges, which were also available to enlisted personnel willing to pay the price.

Metal Corps Badges were manufactured by arsenals, such as Schuylkill Arsenal in Philadelphia, as well as numerous smaller manufacturers and operations, including more elaborate versions crafted by Jewelers. Still others ordered engraved Corps Badges, which command a significant premium. Please view my other listings for additional Investment Grade Military Collectibles.

I have been collecting and dealing primarily in American Civil War edged weapons, firearms and militaria for over 40 years. I frequently travel to specialized and general trade shows, conventions, auctions, and private sales and viewings all over the country, and maintain a network of the most reputable collectors and dealers in the community, limiting my acquisitions to this network.

My objective is to both collect for myself, and to bring to you only truly authentic, historic investment grade military collectables. My pricing is very competitive, and my customers include dealers and collectors alike. My aim is ultimately to make quality investment grade items available to those who like investing in interesting items that steadily appreciate, and have the added value of being displayable and of historic significance. This item is in the category "Collectibles\Militaria\Civil War (1861-65)\Original Period Items\Other Civil War Original Items".

The seller is "rogercillo" and is located in this country: US. This item can be shipped worldwide.

Modified Item: No
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Theme: Militaria
Original/Reproduction: Original
Conflict: Civil War (1861-65)