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This is not a "find", but something a friend of mine needs help identifying. I am not a big Civil War buff, so maybe some of you out there can help. It is a little smaller in diameter than a dime, and has the inscription " Grand Army Of The Republic 1861-Veteran-1866". Any ideas??
awsome button i love it J.D.
The Grand Army of the Republic was a Union Veterans organization founded in 1866. Membership was limited to men who had served in the Union Army (including State Volunteer Regiments) during the Civil War. In time it became very active in promoting such things as military pensions, "old soldier's homes," and the like. It ceased to exist in the late 1940's when there were only a remaining members, aged 112- 115 years old. During the GAR's heyday, they held annual conventions. Your find is a common lapel badge, but was issued to a Union veteran when he joined the GAR. A neat and historical find! HH Jim
The Grand Army of the Republic was a Union Veterans organization founded in 1866. Membership was limited to men who had served in the Union Army (including State Volunteer Regiments) during the Civil War. In time it became very active in promoting such things as military pensions, "old soldier's homes," and the like. It ceased to exist in the late 1940's when there were only a remaining members, aged 112- 115 years old. During the GAR's heyday, they held annual conventions. Your find is a common lapel badge, but was issued to a Union veteran when he joined the GAR. A neat and historical find! HH Jim
Thanks for all the help everyone!! Happy Hunting, Pete