Three-bar pinback badge. Likely nickel silver. N.p., n.d. Engraved "CO. I. / 47 / ILLINOIS / VOL. / INF." Approx. 2 x 3 1/2 in. 

A well-preserved three-bar badge commemorating an unknown infantryman's service in Company I of the 47th Illinois. Badges like these were often produced soon after the end of the Civil War for veterans.

The 47th was organized in Peoria, Illinois, with Company I originating in Woodford County. Having originally organized in August 1861, the regiment moved for barracks duty in September to St. Louis, where it stayed until December of that year. Its first major encounters were the Battle of Corinth and the Siege of Vicksburg, both in which the regiment suffered heavy casualties. It also participated in the Red River Campaign, including the Battle of Pleasant Hill, before briefly discharging and then reorganizing, seeing duty in Kentucky, Tennessee and Mississippi. The 47th was formally mustered out on 21 January 1866. In total, it suffered 250 fatalities, with around 18 coming from Company I. 

[Civil War, Union, Confederate] [Relics, Militaria] [Medals, Corps Badges, Badges, Ribbons]