Civil War Infantry Hunting Horn Insignia, Gavin collection

Civil War issue stamped brass Infantry Hunting Horn. They were worn on both the kepi and the Hardee hats (see pictures). It is missing a small section in the area of mouthpiece. There are no hooks on the back which is pretty typical of the dug examples. It was excavated in Loudon Heights, West Virginia in the 20^th Connecticut Infantry campsite, just above Harpers Ferry. The 20th served in the 12th Corps Army of the Potomac and later in the 20th Corps of Sherman's Army.

This item is from the collection of the late William G. "Bill" Gavin, one of the nation's most prominent and esteemed Civil War relic collectors. Following graduation from West Point [Class of 1946], Gavin became a pioneer in applying WWII mine-detector technology to relic hunting. Along the way, he became an avid historian whose collection, with its origins dating back to the 1930's, was enhanced by his acute knowledge of battlefield troop movements.

Mr. Gavin shared his Civil War knowledge via the publication of four books and several magazine articles. In 1963 he authored one of the earliest books on relic buckles (Accoutrement Plates North and South, 1861-65), and in the 1970s established The Rectory Museum in Harper's Ferry.

This is a great piece and very desirable with its provenance to the famous Gavin collection. The glass top display case pictured is included.