This is an excellent original excavated Civil War regimental hat number insignia. This is the small size version of the number "8" which would stand for the 8th regimental designation. It is made out of stamped brass that measures 3/4ths of an inch by 1-1/8ths of an inch in overall size. It has a wonderful untouched tone to the brass and even has the solder mark from the original attachment loop present on the back. This is a fine excavated piece of insignia. The verbal history that accompanied this piece is that it was found in the area of occupied by the 8th Maine Infantry near Hilton Head, South Carolina. They were under the command of Union General William. T. Sherman. This is a perfect piece of Civil War history that is still affordable.