Finely engraved three-piece engraved silver identification badge and ribbon. Three-piece badge affixed to red silk ribbon. Upper bar engraved "Peter Lander Jr." Lower badge engraved "1st Vt. Cav. Co. M."  Approx. 1 1/2 x 3 1/2 in.

Peter Lander, Jr. of Burlington, Vermont, enlisted midway through the war on 7 December 1863 as a private into Company M of the 1st Vermont Cavalry. After joining the regiment, he participated in Kilpatrick's Raid on Richmond at the end of February 1864 before joining the Campaign from the Rapidan to the James. Notably, Company M fought at the Battle of the Wilderness, escorting the General Staff of the Army of the Potomac commanded by General George Meade. Following more battles throughout Virginia, they fought at Cold Harbor, Ream's Station, and the Siege of Petersburg. 

In the autumn of 1864, they joined Sheridan's Valley Campaign, fighting at Third Winchester, Fisher's Hill, and Cedar Creek, where the 1st Vermont was led by General George Armstrong Custer in a cavalry raid with the 5th New York Cavalry. They demolished the Confederate lines, and they captured 161 prisoners and significant artillery. In 186,5 they joined the Appomattox Campaign, battling at Five Forks and Sailor's Creek, and were charging Lee's wagon train at Appomattox Court House when they received word of truce. 

Despite a relatively short enlistment, Lander saw significant engagement commemorated by this finely engraved identification badge and ribbon. 

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