The collection is comprised of the following:

5 5/8 x 2 in. extra quality, triple bordered Smith patent Major, Medical Staff officer’s shoulder straps with black velvet centers. Each are backed with metal/leather(each strap has a crack in the border). 

[With:] Rarely seen, unusually small 1 1/2 x 2 in. metal backed bullion wreath with bullion “M.S.” on black velvet for Medical Staff.

[With:] 3 x 2 1/4 in. bullion Hardee hat eagle that is metal backed hat insignia.

[With:] 25 cartes de visite of members of the 9th Illinois Volunteer Infantry with original leather album. Subjects include members of the field and staff, company officers, surgeon and assistant surgeon, chaplain, hospital steward, and musician. Many of these are personally identified on the back. They include eighteen who were wounded, one killed in action, and three who were captured. Subject's names available upon request. 

[With:] CDV, bust photograph of Doctor Guelich wearing the shoulder straps included in this grouping accompanied by a CDV featuring a period engraving of a surgeon treating a wounded soldier.

[With:] Truly unique 3 1/2 x 4 1/2 in. metal shield edged in gold paint upon which "9th INF" is painted in gold on a black painted background. This had been fastened to the hospital tent where the wounded of the 9th Illinois were treated.

[With:] Seldom encountered six-piece traveling coffee boiler made of copper and tin, 7 in. tall, 5 ½ in. around. It fits together with a wooden handle.

[With:] 2 5/8 x 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 in. thimble and needle case, which is embossed in gold letters “USA” on brown leather. It is lined with red Moroccan leather and has the braided cotton securing ties. 

[With:] 16 x 2 3/4 in. housewife / sewing kit on maroon and blue cloth made for Doctor Guelich by Lucie J. Lawson. Imprinted on a silk tape is “Lucie J. Lawson,” which is sewn to the interior of the item. 

[With:] A thin sheet of iron folding garment protector for polishing buttons, which was painted gold.

[With:] A compartmented mother of pearl and leather change purse with a carrying chain.

[With:] CDV of a man in civilian attire, with penciled inscription on verso, “First prisoner captured after crossing Bear Creek (Alabama) April 17, 1863."

[With:] CDV of a man in civilian attire with penciled inscription on verso, “Dr. Le Prie / Battle of Buzzard Roost April 17, 1863." Memphis, TN: Clay Picture Gallery, 1863. 

[With:] Cabinet card photograph of Dr. Guelich in civilian attire. [Ca 1870s-1880s].

[With:] Book of poetry entitled Marmion.

[Also with:] Book of poems written in 1829 by Ludwig August Guelich entitled Poetisch E Bersuche. Inscribed in ink by Otto E.C. Guelich. 

Emil Guelich was born on 29 November 1833 at Schleswig Holstein, Germany. After coming to the United States he married Hilda Burg in 1859. He enlisted in the three month 9th Illinois Infantry as a private on 25 April 1861. He was mustered out on 25 July 1861. Guelich enlisted as an Assistant Surgeon in the three year 9th Illinois and was appointed Assistant Surgeon and was promoted to Surgeon on 5 June 1862. He mustered out on 20 August 1864. After the war Guelich worked as a doctor until his death on 16 October 1893.