This larger size infantry officer’s hat insignia, probably from a forage cap or slouch hat, is part of a significant trove of artifacts preserved by John M. Deane and his family that we are offering in separate sales. This is the regulation insignia using gold bullion embroidery and sequins to form the looped bugle indicating infantry and has two false embroidered numerals fastened inside the loop indicating the 29^th regiment.

This was obviously worn in the field and removed from a hat. The background fabric is faded to a light purple from exposure to the elements and was crudely cut from the oval patch, eliminating any wire border and the reverse, but preserving all of the bullion forming the bullion and the numbers, along with the interior web stiffening that now shows on the reverse. This is a great relic, showing lots of wear in the field by an officer with an impressive record. It was contained in a paper wrapper with another hat insignia, labeled “Bugles worn by / John M. Deane / 29^th Regt. Mass. Vols. / in actual service.” The handwriting appears to be that of Deane himself.  The wrapper accompanies your purchase.

A 29-year old teacher when the war broke out, Deane had been in the Massachusetts militia and was one of the “Massachusetts Minutemen of 1861,” joining the 3^rd MVM in going to Washington on news of Fort Sumter. They served three months, evacuating and firing the Gosport Navy Yard and garrisoning Fortress Monroe. Deane mustered out 22 July 1861 and in June 1862 was commissioned 2^nd Lieutenant in the 29^th Massachusetts, making 1^st Lt. 12/29/62; Adjutant 11/1/63; Captain 6/8/64, and Major 5/15/65 with a later brevet to Major of U.S. Vols to date 3/25/65. He was mustered out 8/8/1865 and in later years lived in Freetown, Mass., where he was a member of Richard Borden G.A.R. Post #46, and died 9/2/1914.

The 29^th Mass. served in the Irish Brigade in the Peninsula Campaign and at Antietam, fighting at the Sunken Road. Transferred to the 9^th Corps, they served in  Mississippi and Tennessee in 1863, returned east and were briefly in the 5^th Corps before rejoining the 9^th again for Grant’s overland and Petersburg campaigns. Seeing action at Bethesda Church, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, and Fort Stedman, where Deane was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for helping to man an artillery piece under heavy fire and aiding in the repulse of the Confederate attack. The regiment lost 4 officers and 53 enlisted men killed or mortally wounded during their service. Deane penned several of the regiment’s official reports for 1864 and 1865, and his letters have been published. He was credited with participation in twenty battles.  [sr] [ph:L]

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