Description
The Grand Army of the Republic or GAR introduced this medal in 1869.
At its height, the GAR numbered over 400,000 members and was a social and political force, electing several Presidents who were Civil War Veterans themselves.
This ORIGINAL Basic Member’s membership medal carries Serial Number: K47256 which places its manufacture in the 1884-1885 time frame . The GAR did not keep records of who was issued which medal, but medals would often be checked for a serial number before a meeting and, if a counterfeit medal was discovered, the individual who possessed the fake could be dishonorably discharge from the organization.
It is in the original condition, with the original patina, in which it was obtained. The ribbon shown is a replacement as with almost all GAR medals, the ribbons are long gone or in such poor condition that they have to be replaced.
The badge of this great fraternity is itself a souvenir of the field and is destined to become a memento to be cherished in thousands of American homes as a priceless heirloom. Each Grand Army badge is made of metal from cannon taken from the foe in actual battle on some of the decisive fields of the war.
The design of the badge, in use since 1869, is one that commemorates the great struggle in many ways. The pendant of the badge is a fine pointed star, like the Medal of Honor granted by Congress, and is made of cannon bronze.
The face of the medal has the Goddess of Liberty in the center, representing loyalty, and on either side stands a soldier and a sailor clasping hands in front of the Goddess to represent fraternity. &Two children are kneeling in the foreground to receive a benediction and the assurance of protection from comrades. This is the symbol of charity. On each side of this center group are the flag and eagle representing freedom and an ax and a bundle of rods for union. In the star points are the emblems of different arms of service, bugle for infantry, cannon for artillery, muskets for marines, swords for cavalry, and an anchor for sailors. Surrounding the center is the legend, Grand Army of the Republic, 1861 Veterans -1866, the later date commemorating the close of the war and the founding of the order.
On the reverse side is a laurel branch for victory, and the national shield surrounded by the different corps badges, each on a keystone showing that they are united and will protect the union. The clasp of the badge is an eagle with crossed cannons and ammunition, representing defense. The clasp and medal are united by the national flag, which is the ribbon of the order.
Genuine medals were given only to bona fide members of the GAR, and were not to be sold or replicated. The medals were worn on occasions of any GAR meeting or any patriotic ceremony, especially when a veteran wanted to be identified as such to the public.
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