This is a stunning gold platted brass Corps badge presented to Captain Joseph W. Lang, Jr. by the veterans of the 12^th New Hampshire Volunteers. The badge incorporates the insignia of the three Corps the regiment served in. The basic design is a 3^rd Corps lozenge with a 24^th Corps heart at center surrounding an 18^th Corps cross.

The face of the badge is gold plated throughout with an intricate crosshatched design along the edges. The top point has a number “12” while the two horizontal points have the letters “N” and “H” and the bottom point has a “V.” All the letters and numbers are engraved and filled with black enamel. Next at center is the outline of a heart done in black enamel with a delicate inner border. Between the number “12” and the top of the heart is engraved in script “PRESENTED TO” then, inside the heart the inscription continues “CAPT. J. W. LANG.” Below the name is a wonderfully executed cross, also done in black enamel, with the word “BY” engraved at center. Next the eye catches some very delicate engraving along the lower border of the badge that reads “BY THE VETERANS OF THE.” All the engraving is readable and all the enamel, except for one line in the letter “H”, is strong. The reverse side of the badge has a “T” bar pin. Overall the badge meas. approx. 1.50 x 1.75 inches and is slightly convex in shape.

Joseph W. Lang, Jr. was born in Tuftonborough, New Hampshire on January 2, 1833. He was a 29 year old business owner in Meredith when he was commissioned Captain of Company I, 12^th New Hampshire Volunteers on August 14, 1862. As part of the 3^rd Corps the regiment saw its first action at Fredericksburg on December 13, 1862. The regiment was present for the battle of Chancellorsville and it was during that fight on May 3, 1863 that Captain Lang was wounded severely in the left thigh. He was carried to a log shanty behind the lines and while there a shell struck the building causing some logs to crash down on him breaking a rib. He was eventually captured and remained a prisoner for 14 days before being paroled and sent to a hospital. He returned to his Company in December of 1863 and served through the pain and discomfort till May 27, 1864 when he reported sick to the hospital. He resigned August 19, 1864.

Of his later years the 12^th New Hampshire regimental history says “Since the war he has been engaged in farming and teaming at Meredith. A man of sterling character and honesty, and while a member of Company I survives he will not lack for a friend.” Captain Lang died in Meredith on October 22, 1903. He is buried in the Meredith Village Cemetery, Meredith, New Hampshire.

This is an exquisite badge ID'd to a hard fighting New England officer. With the item are full military and pension records and a Xeroxed copy of a drawing of the Captain taken from the regimental history.

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