Silver shield identification badge. Lacking pin. Finely engraved: "H. Larkin / Co. H / 5th Mich. C." Excavated at the Wilderness. Approx. 1 x 1 1/4 in.

A finely engraved identification badge from Corporal Henry Larkin who served in Company H of the 5th Michigan Cavalry, notably commanded by George Armstrong Custer. Larkin enlisted when the regiment was organized on 30 August 1862 at Detroit.

Company H endured heavy losses at Gettysburg, with records confirming Larkin's participation. Custer’s brigade would lose more men than any other cavalry brigade engaged at the battle. Despite being outnumbered, Custer and his men ultimately defeated Confederate General J.E.B. Stuart’s attack at what is now known as East Cavalry Field. 

In 1864, they joined the Overland Campaign, where Larkin was wounded in the thigh by a Minnie ball at Todd's Tavern, Virginia, during the Wilderness campaign. This pin may have been lost in the action as it was excavated in the Wilderness. 

An excellent soldier's ID badge. 

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