This extensive group includes a mix of Civil War and Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) memorabilia, all acquired together in a very old “Libby’s Food Products” box.  The items identified by an engraved Corps badge to Sergeant William D. Morris of the 203^rd Pennsylvania Infantry.

Civil War period items include a percussion cap pouch, model 1864 cartridge box, buff leather waist belt, tin cup, cooking pan, brass infantry “horn” hat insignia, and engraved silver 10^th Corps badge.  There is also a pair of Civil War-era shoulder scales and a pair of CW-era sergeant’s chevrons, both of which were used or altered for veteran events.  A beautiful G.A.R. kepi and a pair of dress white gloves complete the grouping.

The Civil War leather accoutrements (belt, cap pouch, and cartridge box) are all in very good condition. All leather is pliable and soft, and stitching is strong and unbroken. The belt is the buff leather variety with a brass keeper but the US buckle has been removed. The cap pouch retains the lamb’s wool, pick, and some caps. The outer flap has some surface cracking, the inner flap has an oval sub-inspector stamp over the “R  NECE” maker stamp. Two narrow belt loops are solid.  The model of 1864 cartridge box features the US oval pressed into the front and retains both tins. The outer flap shows minor cracking and wear and has an oval sub-inspector’s stamp at lower, left corner. Buckles, belt loops, etc. are all intact and solid.

The tin cup and cooking pan show use, but are clean. The cup measures 3” tall by 3 ¾” in diameter. It has a rolled lip and soldered seams. The pan is iron with two opposing handles riveted in place. It measures 2” deep and is 8” in diameter at the top rim.

The pair of sergeant’s chevrons are beautiful Civil War-era infantry stripes that had later-period fields added. The green circle is an unknown emblem and was probably used during G.A.R. veterans’ parades.  Likewise, the pair of shoulder scales are Civil War-era epaulettes, but are not the style that an infantryman would have been issued. Known as “Marine” epaulettes, these were probably acquired and used for G.A.R. events.

Other small items included are a typical Civil War infantry brass “horn” kepi insignia and a pair of “dress” white gloves that would have been worn during parades.

The centerpiece of this group is the G.A.R. kepi. The condition is very good. Sweatband and lining are good with maker’s marks (Kramer Bros., Scranton, Pa.) and labels intact. Visor and chin strap good and strong. Chin strap attached with two staff buttons. The cloth is a purple-blue with a few scattered moth nips. The front of the kepi bears a bright G.A.R. pin with a wreath surrounding. In the center of the crown there is pinned a silver 10^th Corps Badge.  Obviously, Morris’s Civil War-era badge that he proudly wore in his G.A.R. days. The badge is silver with a brass t-bar pin. It is engraved “Sergt / W. D. Morris / Co. H / 203 / PV”.

William D. Morris enlisted on September 8, 1864 in Scranton, PA.  He became a member of Company H, 203^rd Pennsylvania Infantry.  He was promoted to corporal and mustered out as 5^th sergeant.  The regiment was quickly sent to the Petersburg front at part of the 10^th Corps.  After several engagements around Petersburg, the regiment was transferred to the 24^th Corps and sent to assault Fort Fisher in North Carolina. On January 15, 1865, Morris suffered a gunshot wound to the right shoulder during the attack. He mustered out on June 22, 1865 with the rest of his company.  Complete with research including muster and pension records.  [jet]

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