For your consideration is this very rare, original, 44th Massachusetts Militia /Volunteer Infantry / 18th Corps Civil War Service Badge. It is named to a Charles E. Wheeler, who served honorably, and was mustered out with the rest of the unit on 5 June 1863 in New Berne, North Carolina. Wheeler's service in the 44th is well documented, and I'm not sure if he joined another unit after his initial discharge in 1863.
It's been discussed on several military/civil war forums these badges were awarded directly after mustering out of service in 1863 making them a war-time award. I've only been able to find one other complete example online, and have seen two others missing the top of bottom half. The ribbon on this badge is thoroughly tattered, but some of it still exists, and most importantly it held together all three pieces of this badge long enough to be preserved. The ribbon does not currently connect the badge or the mass insignia as shown. I've seen various parts of this badge sell for between $150, and $500, and could only find one other complete example for sale online for $1,850.00.
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