Museum Catalog

Identification Tag

1951.22.2

Round, metal identification tag. One side is molded with a spread eagle holding arrows in its talons with the words, "WAR OF 1861 UNITED STATES" around the edge. The other side is stamped with, "Serg. R. Coffey, Vt. Volunteers. Montpelier." The center top has a hole.

Used by Sergeant Robert Coffey of Montpelier, Vermont, during the Civil War.

Medal

1951.22.1

Bronze medal consisting of a top bar, silk ribbon, and two shaped metal portions. The bar is molded with an American shield and laurel leaves. A silk grosgrain ribbon hangs from that is striped red, blue, and white (from the outside in). From the ribbon hangs a metal spread eagle with crossed cannons. From that hangs a bronze star with an image of a woman in a toga beating a naked man with her shield. The back of the star is engraved with the inscription, "The Congress/ to/ Sergt. Robert/ I. Coffey/ Co.K 4th Vermont Vols./for distinguished/conduct at/ Bank's Ford, Va./ May 4/ 1863."

Congressional Medal of Honor awarded to Sergeant Robert I. Coffey of Co. K 4th Vermont Volunteers for distinguished conduct at Bank's Ford, Virginia.

Needlecase

1951.22.3

Black oilcloth-covered needle case. The rectangular case closes by rolling up and tying two red wool tapes that wrap around the width of the roll. Inside, the case is lined with blue silk and has two silk pockets, both cut fully. The central pocket is cream ribbed taffeta, and the bottom pocket is green plaid taffeta. Above the pockets are a black felt flap (for storing needles) and a red wool tape stitched with channels (for storing tools).

Used by Sergeant Robert Coffey of Montpelier, Vermont, during the Civil War.