GAR (Grand Army of the republic) Medal

[DigDugNY]

Went out to a couple spots today including a property where a 1849 house once stood.. Didnt find a whole lot... but the house did produce a 1927 wheat and 1920 merc, which were my oldest coins, but the Merc is too worn to post. My best find of the day is actually a relic. Its a GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) Veterans Medal that was given to Civil War Vets. When looking at them online there was a ribbon and clasp that went to it, but i only found the Medal. I don't know how to date it, so if anyone can help on that end that would be cool, but its still a sweet find nonetheless. Hope you enjoy.

I was able to find the identification number on it. Its V 1602 I believe

 

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[releventchair]

Congrats!
The G.A.R. had regular tent encampments at various locations. One goal was to help disabled veterans and their families.Another pensions. Organised meeting was part of the encampment.Often a record was kept including a roll call. Still looking for one badge out there myself... Here's a similar one and the second link explains source of material and meaning of what is on medals!Yours appears to be an earlier first order badge.(1866) Changes followed in 1868 and 1869, maybe 73 and 86.

The OMSA Medal Database - G.A.R. membership medal - June 1886 - OMSA

http://garmuslib.org/badge.htm

 

[Argentium]

That's a very nice find ! They do show up here once in a while , but I have no idea how to date them - You might go to E-bay ,
and look at the descriptions and pics - see if there are any dates and medals matching yours - congratulations ! a piece of history
for sure !

 

[DigDugNY]

Thanks!

 

[Ron (CA)]

SWEEET!! Great relic!! Congrats!

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Most GAR badges have a serial number on the edge of the star. Is this number traceable to a member?


Many trying to learn more about GAR badges in their collections think that the number stamped on the star pendant should be traceable, like the number on the badge of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States (MOLLUS). Although the GAR had around 1/3 to 1/2 of the Union Army in its membership over the years (probably around 1 million men), it never cross-referenced or tracked the pendant numbers to members. The purpose of the number was simply to verify that the badges were authentic and had been purchased from the Quartermaster General, rather than from an unauthorized source. One of the duties of Department Inspectors was to check badges to verify that they were issued by headquarters. A discovery of a fake badge during an inspection could result in the dishonorable discharge of the GAR Comrade who wore it.
The numbering system used the first letter of the last name of the current Commander-in-Chief of the GAR, followed by a number (starting with 1 each year).

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This might date it a bit

Based on the list of Commander in Chiefs you have three possible dates. You may never know who was awarded this medal, but one of these gentlemen touched it and presented it to the guy that lost it and now you found it and own it!! Pretty cool!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Grand_Army_of_the_Republic_Commanders-in-Chief

1882-83

Paul Vandervoort - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

or

1890-91

Wheelock G. Veazey - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

or

1909-10

Samuel Rinnah Van Sant - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[DigDugNY]

SWEEET!! Great relic!! Congrats!

---

Most GAR badges have a serial number on the edge of the star. Is this number traceable to a member?


Many trying to learn more about GAR badges in their collections think that the number stamped on the star pendant should be traceable, like the number on the badge of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States (MOLLUS). Although the GAR had around 1/3 to 1/2 of the Union Army in its membership over the years (probably around 1 million men), it never cross-referenced or tracked the pendant numbers to members. The purpose of the number was simply to verify that the badges were authentic and had been purchased from the Quartermaster General, rather than from an unauthorized source. One of the duties of Department Inspectors was to check badges to verify that they were issued by headquarters. A discovery of a fake badge during an inspection could result in the dishonorable discharge of the GAR Comrade who wore it.
The numbering system used the first letter of the last name of the current Commander-in-Chief of the GAR, followed by a number (starting with 1 each year).

---

This might date it a bit

Based on the list of Commander in Chiefs you have three possible dates. You may never know who was awarded this medal, but one of these gentlemen touched it and presented it to the guy that lost it and now you found it and own it!! Pretty cool!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Grand_Army_of_the_Republic_Commanders-in-Chief

1882-83

Paul Vandervoort - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

or

1890-91

Wheelock G. Veazey - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

or

1909-10

Samuel Rinnah Van Sant - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Thanks Ron!! I live in New York so it's hard to tell which guy it was, but it's nice to have somewhat of an idea!

 

[vpnavy]

Thanks for sharing...

 

[CASPER-2]

FOUND ONE OF THOSE WHEN i WAS A KID - COOL FIND

 

[DigDugNY]

Thanks!

 

[DigDugNY]

FOUND ONE OF THOSE WHEN i WAS A KID - COOL FIND

It's definitely a rarer find. Doubt I will ever get another one

 

[462]

Very nice find! Too bad it can't be traced to the recipient.

 

[DigDugNY]

Very nice find! Too bad it can't be traced to the recipient.

There's a chance I may be able to. If I can figure out who was living in the house that was once there at the time of the civil war/shortly after, I may be able to