This group of items is ID’d to William H. Bentz, who rose from Sergeant to 2^nd Lieutenant in the 8^th Pennsylvania Cavalry.

First in the group is Bentz’ NCO sash made of red wool. The item is full length with both the acorns and tassels on each end. The overall condition is good. There are some minor moth nips scattered over the surface of the item but nothing serious. The largest hole is about the size of a quarter and that is only on one side. The other holes are smaller. The sash will display well.

Next is a very nice pair of 1^st Lieutenant of Cavalry shoulder straps. These have a double border of bullion thread with an inner and outer jaceron border of dead bullion. The rank field is faded yellow wool with 1^st Lieutenants bars done in gold bullion outlined in dead bullion. There is one small moth nip on the edge of one bar and one or two small areas where the jaceron borders have come loose but again, nothing major.

The next piece is an officer’s sword belt with plate. The belt has a worn surface with much finish loss. The belt is complete all the way round with the proper officer’s version of the rectangular Patter 1851 sword belt plate. The plate and the keeper have matching bench numbers of “52.” The plate also had a makers mark on the back but for some reason this has been scratched out and only the word “PHILA.” remains of the mark. Both of the sword drops are present but one has separated from the belt due to deterioration of the leather. All brass furnishings are present.

Also in the group is Bentz’ commission to 1^st Lieutenant from the state of Pennsylvania. The pre-printed document is filled out in bold ink with the signature of Governor Andrew G. Curtin in the upper left hand corner above an applied yellow seal. The document is in excellent condition with one vertical and three horizontal folds.

The group also contains a 35 page pamphlet from 1890 giving an account of the dedication of the regiment’s monument at Gettysburg. The book meas. approx. 6.00 x 9.25 inches with yellow stiff paper covers.

Last, but not least, is Bentz’ Model 1849 pocket Colt. The weapon is numbered 111265 showing it was made in 1856. All numbers match except for the wedge pin which is numbered 15737. The octagonal barrel is 4.00 inches long with a readable mark “ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW YORK CITY.” Barrel and loading lever are mostly gray but perhaps 10% of the original finish is still visible. Frame, cylinder and hammer are also gray. Cylinder scene is near 100% visible. Above the serial number on the cylinder is “..OLT’S PATENT.” The C in Colt has been rubbed out by wear. Frame has worn stamping of “COLT’S PATENT.” Weapon indexes properly and holds at half and full cock. Trigger guard and grip frame are brass. Bottom of grip strap has scratched initials of “JW.” Rose wood grips are in very nice condition.

William H. Bentz was a 22 year old metalsmith living in Philadelphia when he enlisted as a Private in Company G, 19^th Pennsylvania Infantry on April 27, 1861 for three months. After serving at Fort Monroe, Bentz was mustered out on August 29, 1861 and that same day he was mustered in as Sergeant of Company K, 8^th Pennsylvania Cavalry. At this time he is described as 5’ 7.50” tall with a light complexion, gray eyes and brown hair.

The 8^th Pennsylvania was active on the Peninsula and afterward in numerous patrols and scouts encountering the enemy at various places. The regiment arrived at Antietam where they skirmished with some Confederates on the 18^th of September. During the Fredericksburg campaign the regiment was actively engaged with the enemy at various parts and played a small part in the battle of December 13^th. On May 2^nd at Chancellorsville the regiment made a daring charge on Confederate infantry to try and stem the breakthrough of Stonewall Jackson. The regiment guarded the lines of communication in the Gettysburg campaign and helped capture prisoners from the retreating Confederate column. On December 31^st Sergeant Bentz re-enlisted and just before the battle of the Wilderness he was promoted to 1^st Sergeant on May 1, 1864. The regiment was active with General Sheridan in engagements too numerous to mention here. On May 31, 1865 Bentz was promoted to 1^st Lieutenant and on July 24, 1865 he was transferred to Company K, 16^th Pennsylvania Cavalry and was finally mustered out on August 11, 1865 at Richmond.