Unit Insignia
Nonregulation Enlisted Men's Company Letters
A typical Civil War Infantry regiment had ten companies lettered A-K and omitting the letter "J" which was felt to be too easily confused with "I." Cavalry regiments and an occasional Infantry regiment had extra companies "L" and "M." Other letters were used as unit nickname or state abbreviations. This particular type of letter is sometimes called the "Zouave" style. Although Zouaves are often pictured wearing these, they were worn by those who cared to buy them regardless to the unit.