Intertwined bullion cord formed into a circle and knotted with two acorns consisting of long strips of dead bullion and sequins. Item appears to have been made of silver and gold mixed bullion but it has faded to a gray over time. Hat cord is complete and unbroken.

With the item is an old calling card that meas. approx. 3.00 x 2.25 inches. One side of the card has a printed name that reads “MRS. A. R. BLACKWOOD.” Both sides of the card has handwritten notes in period ink. Inscription reads:

WORN ROUND THE HAT OF CAPT CRANFORD BLACKWOOD DURING THE CAMPAIGN OF THE PENINSULAR AND EIGHT DAYS FIGHT AROUND RICHMOND VA. IN THE YEAR 1861 AND 1862 OF THE CIVIL WAR OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. /// CAPT CRANFORD BLACKWOOD COMMANDING COL E. HAMP SMITH RIFLES 8^TH ALA REGT. VOLUNTEERS.

CAPT BLACKWOOD RECEIVED HIS COMMISSIONA 1^ST LIEUT. FROM 1^ST CONFEDERATE CONGRESS CONVENED AT MONTGOMERY ALA 1861.

CAPT BLACKWOOD ENTERED THE CONFEDERATE SERVICE IN 1861 AS PRIVATE IN THE WOODRUFF RIFLES AT MOBILE ALA. THEIR FIRST SERVICE WAS TO SEIZE THE U. S. ARSENAL AT MT. VERNON APRIL 1861.

Also with the item is a display card prepared by the former owner relating the above information and a little bit more.

Cranford Blackwood was born in Mississippi but was living in Mobile when he was commissioned a 1^st Lieutenant in Company E, 8^th Alabama Infantry on May 6, 1861. At the time he was a married, 27 year old merchant. He was elected Captain of his Company in December of 1861. He is listed as “wounded slightly (bruised)” at Gaines Mill on June 27, 1862. A letter dated August 13, 1862 written by his surgeon states that he was paralyzed from the waist down due to the explosion of a shell near him. He resigned due to disability on September 28, 1862. On January 29, 1864 he was assigned as AAG in Loring’s Division. It is believed he held this position to the end of the war.  [ad]

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