Antique US Army M1896 15th Infantry Regiment Company A Crossed Rifles Hat Pin

For sale is an original, turn-of-the-century United States Army Infantry branch insignia pin, specifically a Model 1896 / 1902 pattern. This die-stamped brass piece features the iconic crossed Springfield muskets, uniquely configured with applied numbers and letters denoting **15th Infantry Regiment, Company A**.   The 15th Infantry is one of the Army's most storied units, heavily engaged during the late 1890s and early 1900s in the Spanish-American War, the Philippine-American War, and the Boxer Rebellion in China (earning them the nickname The Old China Hands).   The reverse side shows excellent period construction with the unit designation secured via hand-twisted wire. It features the highly desirable, original long horizontal pin and functional open C-clasp hardware. An excellent addition to any Spanish-American War, Indian Wars, or World War I militaria collection.  Overall Condition: Good / Very Good (Vintage/Antique)   Hardware: The long rear mounting wire and open C-clasp are completely intact, straight, and functional.  * **Repairs:** Features an old, likely period-correct lead solder repair on the reverse side connecting the letter A to the rifle body to reinforce a broken wire loop.   * **Surface/Patina:** Excellent, uncleaned dark aged brass patina with minor authentic tarnish, light surface wear, and trace specks of verdigris consistent with a 125+ year old military artifact.