[CIVIL WAR]. Insignia attributed to Edward Lounsbery, Company B, 179th New York Infantry, comprising:

1 7/8 x 4 3/4 in. infantry captain's shoulder straps (bullion darkened with one cord pulled loose, one strap lost velvet pile). Composed of double-border and captain's bars embroidered in gold bullion with twisted brass wire borders, blue velvet centers, fold-over cloth backs, and open centers with visible stitching.

[With:] Approx. 7/8 x 1 in. silver and red enamel IX Corps badge, with T-bar to reverse (lacking pin). -- 17 mm diam. gilt brass with white and blue enamel IX Corps, with T-bar to reverse. -- 23 mm diam. brass New York State button. Waterbury, CT: Scoville Mfg. Co. Maker's mark to reverse. -- Approx. 1 3/8 x 2 in. die-struck gilt brass New York State Seal insignia, 3 pins soldered to reverse. -- 1/2 x 3/16 in. pair of brass rank bars, each with 2 pins to reverse. -- Together, 6 items, condition generally very good to fine, occasional darkening. 

Items were acquired from a Brookton, NY house which was owned by Edward Lounsbery until 1906, attributing the items to the veteran. Lounsbery enlisted at 30 years old at Caroline, NY as a private on 31 August 1864, mustering into Company B of the 179th New York Infantry on 1 October 1864. It left the state in detachments throughout 1864 and while initially serving with the XXII Corps, the regiment was with the 1st Division, IX Corps from June 1864, and 2nd Division, IX Corps from September. They participated in several major engagements of the late war including the Battle of Cold Harbor, the Siege of Petersburg, and the Battle of Globe Tavern. Lounsbery was recommended for promotion on 2 April 1865 for his conduct in the Third Battle of Petersburg, perhaps accounting for the captain's shoulder straps despite never officially receiving the promotion. Lounsbery mustered out with the regiment on 8 June 1865 near Alexandria, VA, having served in the Appomattox Campaign. 


The Civil War and American Militaria Collection of Bruce B. Hermann