This handsome instrument is in exquisite condition and is professionally inscribed in cursive with the words, “Presented to / J. F. Keck, / By the Members of the / 9^th N.Y.S.M / in the Field. / March 1864”. Very rarely were bugles or such musical instruments presented to individuals while afield on campaigns. Private Keck’s inscription is found on the wide conical area of the tubing stem just below the bell. The bugle, made of high-grade silver alloy, has been professionally cleaned and professionally restored to bring the item to almost-issue condition. With a pleasing, shiny bright exterior over the entire surface of the horn, this quality specimen features a flowing, double twist coil that has three reinforcing ferrules along the coil. The elegant tapered coil stem gradually widens out to the 4” bell opening that is rimmed with a reinforced bell garland. The mouth piece, though a replacement, is of the Civil War period.

Jacob Keck, a German born shoemaker, enlisted on 4/13/61 for 2 years as Private in Co. G, 7^th New York. His records show that it is not stated whether he was present or absent until March 1863, when shown as absent until his muster out on 5/8/63. On 8/25/63 Keck enlisted as a bugler in Co. A, 83^rd New York, also known as the 9^th New York State Militia, and was present until May 1864. According to the inscription on the bugle, Keck received it from the members of this regiment: “Presented to / J.F. Keck, / By the Members of the / 9^th Reg’t. N.Y.S.M. / in the Field. / March 1864.” On 6/7/64 he was transferred to Co. K, 97^th New York, where he served as regimental bugler. Present until 12/64, when given a furlough. He returned to his regiment and was present from March 1865 until May 6, 1865, when he became ill and is show as absent sick. His name is listed on a Philadelphia hospital muster roll in July 1865. Discharged July 1, 1865. Keck died in 1879 at the age of 41 in a hospital Philadelphia. He was buried in an Alms House cemetery.

The 7^th NY was organized in New York City, & served with the Dept. of Virginia & with the 2^nd Corps, AOP. Saw action at Big Bethel, Seven Days Battles, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville. Mustered out 5/8/63. The 83^rd NY (9^th NYSM) was organized in New York City in 1861 for 3 years service. During the time that Keck was a member of the regiment as bugler, the unit saw action in the Mine Run Campaign, & the battles of the Wilderness, Laurel Hill, Spotsylvania, North Anna River, Totopotomoy, & Cold Harbor, & Bethesda Church. Mustered out on 6/7/64, with Veterans & recruits transferred to the 97^th NY, including Keck. The 97^th NY (“Conklin Rifles”) was organized in 1862. During the period of Keck’s service as regimental bugler, the regiment saw service at White Oak Swamp, Siege of Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Hatcher’s Run, & the Appomattox Campaign.

Accompanied by military & pension records. [ph:L]

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