Last Updated 06/26/2009
Medals and Badges - Anything memorializing acts of bravery, historic events, campaigns, reunions, conventions. Primarily American, 19th Century. Military, GAR, veteran and fraternal ribbons; Knights Templar, Masonic, Odd Fellows, medals, badges and fobs, Nazi Stick Pins, Lapel Buttons, Celluloid Buttons, Whitehead & Hoag, Spanish American War Stick Pins, Civil War Stick Pins

WE WILL CONTINUE ADDING THIS MATERIAL AS TIME PERMITS...PLEASE CHECK BACK OFTEN.  In the future, we will begin adding historic or military related rings.

1MBR  -  FINE ORIGINAL CIVIL WAR SILVER 3RD CORPS BADGE.  Click on each thumbnail photo for larger view  Typical, basic badge, and likely the exact thing the soldiers received from the many newspaper ads which offered such things.  2 ¼” tall diamond in thin sheet silver.  Stamped along the edge with little half-loop border design.  Has T-bar pin and “C” clasp on back.  Minor tarnish.  $295

2MBR  -  ORIGINAL CIVIL WAR 3RD CORPS BADGE.  Click on each thumbnail photo for larger view  Sheet silver or German Silver diamond, 1 ½” high, with incised border lines and brass “safety pin” type clasp on back.  Untouched greyish patina.  Excellent condition.  $275

3MBR  -  RARE GEORGE WASHINGTON MOURNING RIBBON.  More Photos, Click Here With 9/16” diameter Ferrotype portrait button at center of the white & black 3” diameter silk cockade.  There is a 4” black and white silk ribbon drop from the cockade.  Condition is excellent, with the exception of a few little holes (most 1/16”) in the white of the cockade.  The button has a nice Ferrotype of a Washington portrait (head/neck) and has brass border and back, with button shank.  Two events probably inspired its creation – either the 50th Anniversary of his death or the Civil War, during which the “Father of His Country” was often referred to, in relation to preserving the country “HE” created.  Only one noted.  Quite rare.  $575

4MBR  -  EARLY BADGE OF THE UNITED SPANISH WAR VETERANS.  Click on thumbnail photos for larger view  From an old collection, pinned to a neatly titled card, which must have been part of a file system.  Top is a 1¾” long red, white and blue ribbed ribbon, suspending by a ring, a 1¾” diameter celluloid pendant bearing the color seal of the USWV.  The four armed cross is in gold tone.  The laurel wreath is green with red berries. Has a brass edge rim.  Reverse has apparently unrelated black and white scene, which seems to be a waterfront scene with summer cottage – unless this place is some sort of U.S.W.V. facility.  Fine condition.  For pinning to coat.  $25

5MBR  -  SOUVENIR BADGE FROM "CAMP ALGER, FALLS CHURCH, VA 1898".   Click on thumbnail photos for larger view  This was an important training camp in Virginia for soldiers headed to combat in the Spanish American War.  Badge consists of a 3” long, red-white-blue striped silk ribbon imprinted with the above title information.  It is topped by a regulation officer’s gilt brass button with spread eagle/shield on its face.  Loop on back allowed it to be pinned to a coat.  Now on an attractive card from an old collection.  Just held by the button loop going through the card.  Excellent condition.  Ribbon is very nice, showing some age.  $35

6MBR  -  EISENHOWER U.S. MINT INAUGURAL MEDAL IN BOX.  More Photos, Click Here  Large 3” circular, heavy brass medal, prox. 3/16” thick.  In the original “The Department of the Treasury/1789” blue box.  Exterior rubbed but solid.  Front has portrait of Dwight D. Eisenhower and rear has his second inaugural information for January 20, 1957.  Comes with a four sided folded sheet (U.S. Government Printing Office) that lists the entire history of Eisenhower, covering 1890 to 1969. This was from a group of similar medals of  presidents purchased back in the mid 1970’s $15

7MBR  -  G.A.R. UNION EX-PRISONERS OF WAR, 34TH NATIONAL ENCAMPMENT BADGE.  More Photos, Click Here  Chicago 1900.  Uniquely rare.  From our personal collection.  I don’t recall ever seeing another in nearly 50 years.  4¼” tall, silver plated, tarnished dark grey with lighter highlights.  Consists of ornate top bar with original clasp on back, a red/white/blue ribbon below, suspending a large, nearly circular, heavy pendant.  All original/complete.  Top bar has G.A.R. star at center with ribbands above and below reading “34TH NATIONAL/ENCAMPMENT”, this in front of crossed swords, all mounted on a flat, decorative cross bar.  Original r/w/b ribbon suspends large disc bordered by leafy wreath, around crossed muskets/G.A.R./& crossed U.S. flags, all over inscription, “UNION/EX-PRISONERS OF WAR”.  Reverse is marked “S.D. CHILDS & CO. ENGRAVERS CHICAGO ILL.”.  Metal is excellent, tarnished.  Ribbon sewing on joint in back is half open. Bit of fraying on white.  Overall a bit dingy from storage dust.  $450

8MBR  -  PATRIOTIC AMERICAN FLAG CIVIL WAR STICK PIN.  Click on thumbnail photos for larger view   From our private collection, and absolutely original.  Fairly heavy brass with flag detail stamped on face, with red-white-blue fired enamel paint.  Blue canton with ring of 13 stars.  Flying from a short section of staff.  Few tiny chips on paint.  Stick pin back.  2 5/8” top of staff to bottom of pin. A few years ago we had an original Civil War store card with several of these flag pins on it. They all sold for $100 each.   $75

9MBR  -  RARE "REMEMBER BALTIMORE" CIVIL WAR STICK PIN Click on thumbnail photos for larger view   A battle cry much the same as “Remember the Alamo”.  The history to which this pin refers follows, in its entirety, extracted from the “Historical Times Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Civil War”, pg. 37, Patricia Faust, Editor.  The pin is a gilt brass shield ¾” tall, with stick pin back.  The center of the pin has raised cannon in front of crossed flags, with dark blue ribbands top and bottom reading “REMEMBER/BALTIMORE”.  Fine condition with slight tarnish. Extremely rare, absolutely original and from my personal collection, from which we are just beginning to offer a few specimens.  This is the only specimen of this historic pin we’ve owned in our nearly 50 years in the militaria business.  The history: “After Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated, Baltimore secessionists decided to prevent Northern troops from passing through the city to reinforce Washington.  The clash came 19 April 1861.  At 10:30 a.m. a train from Philadelphia arrived at Baltimore’s President St. Station carrying the 6th Massachusetts Infantry. The regiment was to march to the Calvert St. Station to board a Baltimore & Ohio train for Washington, but an angry crowd began to gather.  To avoid confrontation, the loaded cars were drawn by horses over a connecting line between stations.  The first 8 cars passed, but the ninth was stoned, with windows broken and some occupants injured; the tenth car was forced back by debris on the tracks.  Some regimental units were stranded with no way to join the others except by marching through the streets, now lined with hostile citizens.  The troops were instructed to ready their weapons and told orders would be given to fire if fired on.  As they progressed, brickbats flew into the ranks and firing broke out, which continued along part of the march.  Marshall of Police George Kane and Mayor George Brown tried protecting harassed troops, but the situation was out of control and the regiment had to gotten out of Baltimore quickly.  The train pulled out at 12:45 p.m., leaving some equipment, the killed and wounded, and the regimental band.  The first serious bloodshed of the war had occurred on Baltimore’s streets. Col. Edward Jones reported his command suffered 3 killed (later raised to 4) and 39 wounded; Mayor Brown wrote that 12 civilians were killed and dozens wounded, but the exact number of civilians casualties is uncertain.  That night Baltimore police and militia detachments burned railroad bridges north of the city to prevent other troops from coming in.  On 20 April Lincoln suspended troop movements through Baltimore and for the next few days conditions in the city were chaotic.  Secessionists consolidated their control and appeared to have achieved their objective – the isolation of Washington so the city could be picked off at will.  On the evening of 13 May, during a heavy thunderstorm, Brig. Gen. Benjamin F. Butler brought the 6th Massachusetts Infantry back to Baltimore, digging in on Federal Hill above the harbor.  Until the end of the War, Baltimore was treated as an occupied city.”   $550

10MBR  -  G.A.R. 1892 PRESENTATION BADGE FOR 26th NATIONAL ENCAMPMENT.  More Photos, Click Here  Two-piece bronze badge with yellow ribbon backing.  Apparently given to members of the staff who organized the preparations for the national encampment.  Top bar reads “PALMER NATIONAL STAFF”.  Pendant has bust of an elderly man most likely “Palmer”, who must have headed the arrangements committee/staff.  Also reads “G.A.R./1892”.  Reverse of pendant reads “PRESENTED/BY/PALMER STAFF/ASSOCIATION/1892/WASHINGTON”.  Metal is excellent.  Ribbon is frayed, and a small piece loose.  2¾” high.  Has original clasp.  $35

11MBR  -  1914 F.O.E. (FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES) CONVENTION DELEGATE BADGE.  More Photos, Click Here  Very scarce fraternal material, especially early specimens, which are quite handsome.  F.O.E. established in 1898, and still going strong.  Supports numerous benevolent causes.  One example…donations to St. Jude’s Hospital tops $1 million.  This is a 3-piece badge in brass with some gold wash and decorative fired enamel.  Top piece features a spread eagle under ribband saying “GRAND/KANSAS CITY/AERIE”, over full color crossed American flags behind “1914/F.O.E.”, all enameled.  The drop bar reads “DELEGATE”.  The pendant is in the shape of Missouri, with enameled “KC” in heart border, next to Mule over “Show Me”.  Under the KC heart is “HEART OF AMERICA”.  Below this is scene of residential homes.  Clasp on back of top piece.  Fine condition.  Will include a compilation of their more important civic accomplishments to date.  $60

12MBR  -  G.A.R. 32nd NATIONAL ENCAMPMENT DELEGATE BADGE.  More Photos, Click Here  Pendant only.  It was a favorite practice among veterans to take the lower pendant off the badge and use it as a watch fob.  This made the badge much more useful and provided a handsome jewelry grade accessory immediately and almost universally recognized among veterans, as having come from the 32nd Encampment.  All it lacks is the short leather strap which held the watch to the pendant.  There are numerous cheap and old fobs available on the market from which such a belt/strap could be taken and put on this pendant.  Condition is about like new with bright gold wash and colored enamels.  The pendant is gilt and depicts the G.A.R. badge under a rising sun within an oak wreath.  Superimposed across these are the script letters “G.A.R.” enameled in red, white and blue. The reverse is plain except for maker’s mark “G. G. BRAXMAR, 10 MAIDEN LANE, NEW YORK”.  $60

13MBR  -  IMPORTANT TWO LAYER RIBBON PRESENTED TO TROOPS ON THEIR RETURN HOME FROM THE WAR.  Click on each thumbnail photo for a larger view   Presented to troops on their return home from the Spanish American War.  Silk, 2 x 4 ¼”.  Rear ribbon is off white/beige, embossed with crossed rifles at the top.  Just below, an American flag hangs down, covering up the main message printed in blue.  Lift the flag to see that it says “SOUVENIR TO/12TH U.S. INFANTRY/Heroes of El Caney, SEPTEMBER 24TH, 1898/ON THEIR RETURN FROM/CUBA/BY THE/Citizens’ Committee/HENRY ZIEGENHEIN/MAJOR OF ST. LOUIS”.  Pin back at top.  Very excellent and rare.  Seldom see memorabilia from returning troops.  From our personal collection.  $95

14MBR  -  G.A.R. 1949 INDIANAPOLIS FINAL REUNION MEDAL.  More Photos, Click Here  From the 83rd and last National Encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic Civil War Union Veteran’s group.  Guaranteed original and in near new condition.  There were only 16 delegates to this reunion.  This is a three-piece bronze badge with a yellow-gold backing ribbon.  The top suspension bar is a representation of the eagle from the membership badge.  Hanging by single chain links from the top bar is the drop, which is roughly oval.  Across the top of the drop is a banderole inscribed “First Encampment”.  Below this is a scene of the Soldier’s Memorial in Indianapolis.  In the background is inscribed “Nov 20, 1866/Indianapolis/Final Encampment”. Below this is a banderole inscribed “Aug 28, 1949”.  Hanging by a single chain link from this is the pendant, which is circular.  The pendant is inscribed “Commander in Chief Theodore A. Penland” around his portrait.  The reverse of the pendant is marked “Metal Arts Co./Roch.N.Y.”.  The gold backing ribbon hangs from the top suspension bar.  A very important offering.  The last one we know to have sold, brought $1,025.   $895

15MBR  -  PRIME G.A.R. PAST OFFICER'S BADGE.  More Photos, Click Here  Badge itself is Type V, with the cooking pot over campfire on back of the top bar.  All brass work is heavily gilded and bright.  Flag ribbon is fine and original.  The miniature shoulder strap with silver eagle is excellent and affixed across the ribbon, above the star.  Entire badge is 4” tall.  Near mint.   $195

16MBR  -  G.A.R. 27th NATIONAL ENCAMPMENT DELEGATE RIBBON, 1893.  More Photos, Click Here  Indianapolis.  For a delegate member from the Chicago delegation to the National Encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic veterans’ group.  Large and showy.  9 ¼” tall.  Top bar is a bright gold, thin stamped brass frame around a celluloid faced title “DELEGATE”.  Immediately below is a crimson silk ribbon stamped with gold lettering “ILLINOIS”.  Below this is a long, mustard-yellow silk ribbon stamped with silver lettering and designs.  Top to bottom reads “27TH National Encampment…(lettering GAR surrounded wreath and crossed US Flags) Indianapolis, Sept 6, 1893”.  At bottom is a complete miniature canteen bearing the famous words “We drank from the same canteen”.  It is bright silver.  Very good-excellent overall.  Top bar complete with clasp.  Sewing which attaches the yellow ribbon to top bar is half loose.  Some scattered fly specks on bottom half of yellow ribbon, which has very subtle darkening from age.  Very scarce ribbon.  $150

17MBR  -  SPANISH AMERICAN WAR SAILOR'S PHOTO BROOCH.  More Photos, Click Here  Very nice, sharp, actual photo portrait of a USN sailor wearing flat hat and blouse. Tally on the hat reads “SOUTHERN CROSS”.  Mounted in a nice pin back brooch with brass beaded border and T-bar pin on back.  Celluloid faced.  1 9/16” diameter.  Fine condition.  $65

18MBR  -  MARVELOUS PRESENTATION MASONIC PAST MASTER'S JEWEL.  More Photos, Click Here  Extra fancy, and I believe made in solid silver, though I can not guarantee this.  A complex jewel of many parts, of a quality seldom seen, and from an immensely historic spot.  Consists of a top bar, supporting a ribbon, supporting a bottom bar, supporting a complex pendant, supporting a further small pendant.  Currently as found and with untouched dark grey silver tarnish, but can be polished to a very showy piece.  6” tall.  Top bar has original T-bar clasp on back.  Face has central cartouche panel with recipient’s ornately entwined initials, against purple fired enamel, flanked by “6th/P.M.” also in purple fired enamel.  This refers to his lineage as past master.  This suspends a faded pale blue ribbon, suspending an ornately engraved bar featuring the original block house (still standing), identified by flanking purple fired enamel lettering “FORT PITT”.  This identifies the lodge, in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.  This bar supports a massive, complex pendant, with numerous symbols of Masonry built upon the classic square.  In addition to open rococo scrolls, the square is faced with full, 3-dimensional Masonic symbols to include Bible, Ruler, Gavel, Apron, Trowel, Level and one other I can’t identify.  From his pendant hangs a miniature apron under the lodge number 634.  The full presentation is engraved on the back of the main pendant.  It reads “Presented to/P.M. BRO. BENJAMIN BARFOUR/By/FORT PITT LODGE NO. 634/F. & A.M. JAN. 1, 1911, A.L. 5911”.  The strategic history of the point upon which Fort Pitt sat was recognized early in our history, and was fought over by the Americans, the French, the British and the Native Americans from at least as early as 1754.  In 1753, Virginia dispatched a young Virginia militia officer (George Washington) to tell the French who occupied the point that Virginia considered this as Virginia territory.  The French were courteous but unmoved.  Washington returned with troops, attempted to build a fort, but was “discouraged” by the French.  Washington returned again with more troops, clashed with the French, won a temporary victory, but shortly was defeated.  The following year, General Braddock returned with 1500 Regular Troops and was severely defeated by combined French/Indian forces.  It was not until 3 years later that the British returned and reclaimed control of the area and fort.  A Masonic lodge would almost certainly have been formed close after 1758.  One of our favorite pieces.  From our private collection.  A good history of Ft. Pitt and the area is included. ALSO INCLUDED is sufficient length of beautiful antique blue watered silk ribbon, enough to replace the faded original, should you wish.  $275

19MBR  -  SUPER SPANISH AMERICAN WAR HOMEFRONT PATRIOTIC BADGE.  More Photos, Click Here  3" long three-piece badge.  Top is 1 1/4" diameter celluloid pin-back button with crossed American flags, with red/white/blue flag ribbon drop, supporting a heavy cast metal 3-dimensional model of the Maine.  The ship is 1 3/4" long.  Overall excellent.  Minor smudge on bottom of ribbon from contact with ship.  One of the best badges created for the War.  $75

20MBR  -  SPANISH AMERICAN WAR PATRIOTIC BRASS BADGE CELEBRATING DEWEY'S VICTORIES.  Click on each thumbnail photo for a larger view   Two piece brass badge.  Top is spread eagle on draped flags with pin back.  This suspends a brass pendant with bust of Dewey at center, surrounded by “THE NATION’S HERO”, this inside a full wreath, under U.S. and Admiral flags in color, with another spread eagle.  Reverse side has picture of the “Olympia” – Dewey’s flagship.  2 1/8” tall.  Very fine.  $45

21MBR  -  BEAUTIFUL & RARE "CHILDREN OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION" LAPEL PIN.  More Photos, Click Here  C.A.R. is the nation’s oldest, largest, patriotic youth organization, offering membership to anyone under the age of 21, lineally descended from someone who served in the Continental Army or gave material aid to the cause of freedom in the American Revolution.  Harriet Lothrop (a prominent citizen and 19th century author from Concord Mass, presented the idea for this organization to the Daughters of the American Revolution Continental Congress in 1895; it was then chartered by the United States Congress.  Based on the style of engraving on back, we believe this pin is from the early days of its founding.  Extremely fine fired enamel construction.  Features a spread eagle on gorgeous draped American flag, all encircled with a blue ribband reading (in gold), “Children of the American Revolution”.  Original owner’s name engraved on back…”Emily H. Bidwell”.  Pin back.  Serial numbered as well…”16380”.  Also stamped “CALDWELL SILVER” below the number, the Caldwell a bit hard to read.  3/4” in diameter.   $65

22MBR  -  MARVELOUS SPANISH AMERICAN WAR STICK PIN.  More Photos, Click Here  No other war or event in our history has ever spawned the monumental profusion of patriotic pins, badges, medals, buttons, ribbon, and assorted memorabilia as did the Spanish American War.  It is a collector's paradise, as one never runs out of new, hither-to-undiscovered specimens.  This is one example of the really neat things created.  It features a silver colored, cast metal spread eagle emblem sitting on a pedestal, suspending below by a few links of chain, a complete inert .45-70 cartridge with headstamp indicating the date of manufacture of Aug 1894.  Eagle has stick pin on reverse.  Casing tarnished dark copper color.  Rest is fine.  2 1/8" high.  This is a rare one.  $95

23MBR  -  "REMEMBER THE MAINE" FLAG RIBBON.  Click on each thumbnail photo for a larger view Worn pinned to a coat, or used as a souvenir bookmark.  Silk, 2 1/4 x 5 3/8".  Printed with brightly colored American flag, with band on fly end reading "REMEMBER THE MAINE".  Clean.  Excellent.  A little lightening in the middle.  Offered at our cost.  $50

24MBR  -  ORIGINAL WWII GERMAN & NAZI STICK PINS AND LAPEL PINS.  All Original.  Click on each thumbnail photo below for a larger view

F.  Nazi SA "Sturm-Abteilung" Stick Pin.  Disc shaped with SA symbol on face, in minor relief.  9/16" in diameter. Grey metal.  Stick pin back.  One has the background cut away; in other words, it is pierced around the SA symbol. Have three, one with the cutaway background. Each...$35

G.  German Pre-1933 Soldier Association Stick Pin.  National Soldier's Association stick pin.  1919 until about 1932.  Worn by veterans and strong military supporters.  Called the Kyffhauserbund.  From 1933 on, the swastika was added to the design (see D above). Have two.  Each... $15

I.  WWII Nazi Swastika Stick Pin.  In German, the title is "National Sozialistiche Sympathie-Abzeichen" - the meaning being quite clear.  Worn on collar or tie.  Have two.  Both have the usual small swastika 1/4" across and stick pin back.  One is plain metal.  The other has a gold tone and textured face.  Plain...$35   Decorated...$40

J.  Nazi NSBO Stick Pin. Nazi Factory Cell Organization "National-Sozialistiche Betriekszellen - Organization".  Neat design.  One of the stick pins that belongs in every collection.  Have several.  Each...$18

25MBR  -  SPANISH AMERICAN WAR SERVICE LAPEL BUTTONS.  Click on thumbnail photos for larger view

A.  BEAUTIFUL "PHILIPPINE SERVICE" LAPEL BUTTON.  A 7/8" tall shield with lapel hole stud on back, faced with three bands of rich fired enamel...red-white-blue, from top to bottom.  In each band is gold writing as follows..."Philippine Service"/U.S.A./'99-'01".  Mint condition, still on original cardstock backing.  Offered at cost.  $45

B.  BEAUTIFUL "CUBAN SERVICE" LAPEL BUTTON.  A 7/8" tall shield with lapel hole stud on back, faced with three bands of rich fired enamel...red-white-blue, from top to bottom.  In each band is gold writing as follows..."Cuban Service/U.S.V./98-99".  Mint condition, still on original cardstock backing.  Offered at cost.  $45

C.  ANOTHER.  About mint condition.  Simply lacks the original cardstock store backing.  This one has stamping on back of button "C.E. VOKES/6 MAIDEN LN./N.Y.".  $40

26MBR  -  G.A.R. DEPARTMENT OF CALIFORNIA 1910 REUNION BADGE.  More Photos, Click Here  Rare Western delegate badge…4 piece plus ribbon backing.  Guaranteed complete and original.  Top piece is a brass, high relief statue of a Grizzly Bear.  This has two drops held by chain links.  One, a small rectangular piece with image of stage coach on its face.  The second, is a larger bar with the word “Delegate”.  This supports a rectangular pendant symbolizing a knapsack with blanket roll on top with enamel letters G.A.R. over a tree, with crossed cannon behind.  The scarlet ribbon is stamped with gold lettering reading “43RD ANNUAL/ENCAMPMENT/DEPARTMENT OF/CALIFORNIA/AND/NEVADA/OAKLAND, CAL./APRIL 19-23, 1910”.  Badge is 7 5/8” tall overall.  Condition fine except for a water stain about 2” from the bottom.  The reverse bottom of the ribbon has a paper advertising tag from maker “WHITEHEAD & HOAG CO.”.  As a point of interest, the 1910 NATIONAL ENCAMPMENT was in Atlantic City, N.J., Sept. 19-24.  $395

27MBR  -  G.A.R. DEPARTMENT OF NEW YORK REUNION BADGE.  More Photos, Click Here  Civil War Union Veteran’s Group (Grand Army of the Republic).  Syracuse New York 1905.  This is a three-piece badge with ribbon backing.  All the metal is tarnished gold washed brass.  The ornate top bar has the design of the G.A.R. badge at center, flanked by the words “DEPT OF/NEW YORK”.  It has a small rectangular pendant with the embossed picture of a typewriter and the words “TYPE WRITER CITY”.  It also supports a red-white-blue ribbon stamped with “DELEGATE”, and supports a large pendant in the shape of a knapsack with blanket roll on top, with the enameled letters G.A.R.  Below this is a red enamel oval frame with the words “39TH ANNUAL ENCAMPMENT, SYRACUSE, NY, JUNE 21-22-1905”.  This encircles a man’s bust, and there are crossed cannon behind.  Metal and enamel are fine.  Ribbon dingy with some edge wear.  The hinge of the clasp is somewhat loose.  As a point of interest, the National Encampment in 1905 was in Denver, Colorado.  $60

28MBR  -  "TO HELL WITH SPAIN / REMEMBER THE MAINE" SILK RIBBONS.  Click on thumbnail photos for larger view   Wartime patriotic ribbon for wear or more likely, for a bookmark or souvenir.  2 1/2" wide, 7" long, off white silk, printed with full color, billowing American flag at top, over picture of ship...Maine or Olympia, over a classic poem from the War, over the two war cries of the time..."To Hell with Spain!/Remember the Maine", one in red, the other blue.  Have two ribbons.  One in new condition; the other in nearly new condition. The ribbons are crisp and bright, even though the photos show the bottom looks darker...that's just the lighting during photography.  A...$45   B...$40

29MBR  -  MARVELOUS G.A.R. 24th ANNUAL ENCAMPMENT, DELEGATE RIBBON, DEPARTMENT OF INDIANA, 1903.  More Photos, Click Here  Civil War Union Veteran’s Group (Grand Army of the Republic). Department of Indiana, 1903.  A very large and handsome ribbon.  A wonderful combination of silver, gold, red, white and blue.  A massive 8 ¾” long.  The top bar is a thin stamped, gold washed brass flame around a celluloid faced title “Delegate”.  It has the clasp on back.  From this hangs a fine red, white and blue ribbon stamped in gold, reading top down “24th ANNUAL/ENCAMPMENT (applied circular heavy silvered metal wreath around a chromo-lithographed, photo quality portrait of an Indian entitled “Chief Anderson) DEPT OF INDIANA/G.A.R./ANDERSON, IND./MAY 12-14, 1903”.  Below this is a heavy gold washed brass pendant, the G.A.R. star with usual design on front, suspended by chain. Excellent overall.  Finding such quality, artistic ribbons has always been different.  $275

30MBR  -  1st MASSACHUSETTS HEAVY ARTILLERY ASSOCIATION CIVIL WAR REUNION RIBBON.  More Photos, Click Here  Red silk ribbon 1 ¾” wide x 6 high, printed in black.  Reads top to bottom, “34th ANNUAL Summer Reunion, 1st Mass. H. Art’y Assoc’n, (corps badge), Salem Willows, Thursday, Aug 14, 1902”. Excellent condition.  Probably had a small wire pin-clasp at top which slipped into the narrow channel on the top end; this no longer present.  $50

31MBR  -  U.S. BATTLESHIP "INDIANA" SPANISH AMERICAN WAR CELLULOID PIN BACK BUTTON.  Click on thumbnail photos for larger view   Original celluloid pin back button. Fine color picture of the Spanish American War ship "INDIANA" at sea.  Has the text "U.S. BATTLESHIP INDIANA" printed around the rim.  1 1/4" diameter.  Lightly stained Whitehead & Hoag Company  paper label on back, with couple of patent dates, the latest 1896, some wording rubbed off.  Some pale, spotty stain in the sky above the ship.  Fine shape.  $20

32MBR  -  U.S.S. MAINE STICK PIN.  Click on thumbnail photos for larger view  Classy looking pin in brass.  A long oval, 7/8" wide.  Entirely edged in rococo scrolls.  Within the border is a picture of the Maine, so labeled.  Stick pin back.  Fine.  Don't recall seeing another.  $45

33MBR  -  IMPRESSIVE SPANISH AMERICAN WAR CELLULOID PICTORIAL PIN BACK BUTTON OF THE U.S.S. MAINE.  Click on thumbnail photos for larger view  1 1/4” diameter.  Very crisp picture of the MAINE under steam.  Lots of character.  Below is a cameo of crossed US & Cuban flags.  Pale green background to ship.  Black rim which dramatically enhances the image.  Button is about mint.  Believe this was a premium associated with advertising for the Chicago/Great Western Railroad.  Paper label in back as the leaf logo of the railroad with its name on it.  Made by Whitehead & Hoag Co.  $40

34MBR  -  ADMIRAL DEWEY SPANISH AMERICAN WAR CELLULOID PIN BACK BUTTON.  Click on thumbnail photos for larger view  Black and white bust of Dewey, surrounded by the inscription "Compliments of the Prudential Insurance Co.".  1 1/4" in diameter.  Off-white background with some pale damp staining spots.  No cracks.  $5

35MBR  -  THREE SPANISH AMERICAN WAR PATRIOTIC ITEMS - TWO LAPEL PINS AND SMALL PENDANT.  Click on thumbnail photos for larger view   (1) 5/8” diameter lapel button.  Face is divided into three segments with fired enamel colors: one red, one white, one blue.  Each has some gold writing as follows…”Cuban Service/U.S.V./98-99”.  Some little chipping to paint at center.  Screw back; no nut.  (2)  5/8” diameter 1902 brass cuff button face with pin back.  Button is regulation enlisted rimless eagle design.  Fine shape and only one I’ve seen.  (3)  Penny sized brass disc pendant, ¾” diameter.  One side has “Remember The Maine” plus picture of the Maine.  Reverse side has billowing Cuban flag plus “Cuba Must Be Free”.  Little suspension hole at top.  $20

36MBR  -  CELLULOID PIN BACK BUTTON OF THE SPANISH AMERICAN WAR SHIP "VESUVIUS".  Click on thumbnail photos for larger view  Small 7/8” diameter button showing a member of the White Squadron, with that title along the top rim.  Shows picture of the ship at sea.  Full color.  Bottom text “UNITED STATES WAR SHIP VESUVIUS”.  Back shows this was a premium which came with American Pepsin Gum.  Very good.  Bit of very subtle age toning. Made by Whitehead & Hoag Co., Newark, NJ.  $12

37MBR  -  CELLULOID PIN BACK BUTTON OF THE SPANISH AMERICAN WAR SHIP "MINNEAPOLIS".  Click on thumbnail photos for larger view   Small 7/8” diameter button showing a member of the White Squadron, with that title along the top rim.  Shows picture of the ship at sea.  Full color.  Bottom text “UNITED STATES WAR SHIP MINNEAPOLIS”.  Back shows this was a premium which came with American Pepsin Gum.  Excellent front; rear has a little rust around metal edging. Made by Whitehead & Hoag Co., Newark, NJ.  $15

38MBR  -  BOLD SPANISH AMERICAN WAR CELLULOID PIN BACK BUTTON OF CROSSED U.S. & CUBAN FLAGS.   Click on thumbnail photos for larger view  Really stands out.  Rich, deep blue background.  Nicely colored flags.  Button measures 1 ¼” diameter.  Fine condition.  Label on back of Whitehead & Hoag with a few patent dates, the latest 1896.  Couple pencil initials on label, possibly original owner.  Exceptional button.  $35

39MBR  -  LAPEL BUTTON FROM THE UNITED SPANISH AMERICAN WAR VETERANS.  Click on each thumbnail photo for a larger view  Bronze.  ¾” in diameter.  Has stud on back for button hole and stud has the word “UNITED” above clasped hands.  Front has association logo of Soldier & Sailor with Woman/Child between them.  Excellent.  Quite scarce.  I’ve seen a hundred membership badges to one of these.  $45

40MBR  -  U.S.S. MAINE CELLULOID PIN BACK BUTTON.  Click on each thumbnail photo for a larger view    Black and white picture of the Maine under steam.  The name “MAINE” across bottom.  1 ¼” in diameter.  Some cracking to clear surface coating.  No flaking.  Trivial smudge near top rim.  $10

41MBR  -  CROSSED AMERICAN & CUBAN FLAG STICK PIN.  Click on each thumbnail photo for a larger view    Miniature flags with painted faces, ¾” wide.  Standard stick pin back.  Slight wear to paint.  Nice little pin.  $35

42MBR  -  LARGE & ELABORATE FRATERNAL BADGE - PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY.  Click on thumbnail photos for larger view   “P. of H.” formed 1867, related to the Grange and concerned with service to rural communities.  Heavy badge, gilded brass, 3 ¾” tall.  Two piece.  Top bar has oak leaves flanking the pierced letters “PH”.  The pendant is a large frame with the surface made to look like logo with bark on.  Inside are the entwined letters “GK” with the same surface.  GK stands for Gate Keeper, which is an officer's position.  Badge appears to date C.1900, and is quite scarce among fraternal badges.  Fine condition.  Strong clasp.  $35

43MBR  -  SPANISH AMERICAN WAR CROSSED RIFLES PATRIOTIC STICK PIN.    Click on thumbnail photos for larger view   Little cast metal crossed rifles (Remington Rolling Blocks) with US over center.  Butt stock of one is lightly colored blue.  The other is red.  1 3/16" wide.  Stick pin on back.  Worn to show support of the War.  The color is thinning, otherwise excellent.  $30

44MBR  -  "ROOSEVELT FOR EX-PRESIDENT" CELLULOID PIN BACK BUTTON.   Click on thumbnail photos for larger view    From the election of 1940 or 1944, likely the latter.  White background with dark blue print.  1 1/4" diameter.  Mint condition face.  Metal reverse has some thin, spotty beginning brown spotting.  A great political button.  $40

45MBR  -  GEORGE WASHINGTON SPANISH AMERICAN WAR PERIOD PATRIOTIC CELLULOID PIN BACK BUTTON.  Click on thumbnail photos for larger view  Very handsome button.  Gold background.  Bust portrait in full color, 1¼” in diameter.  About mint condition.  Button dates contemporary with the Spanish American War, and with other buttons which have more obvious connections to the War.   $15

46MBR  -  GEORGE WASHINGTON SPANISH AMERICAN WAR PERIOD PATRIOTIC CELLULOID PIN BACK BUTTON.  Click on thumbnail photos for larger view  Very handsome button.  Gold background.  Bust portrait in full color.  Given as premium to customers of “The Highland Bakery & Lunch”, whose name wraps around the edge above George’s head.  Button is good as new.  1¼” in diameter.  Inset label in reverse is for BASTIAN BROS. CO. Rochester N.Y.  The button dates the same as other, more obvious Spanish American War related buttons.  $15

47MBR  -  SPANISH AMERICAN WAR INFANTRYMAN PHOTO ON CELLULOID PIN BACK BUTTON.  Click on thumbnail photos for larger view  These were privately purchased by the soldier, from the photo studio which took his picture and was then capable of making the button.  These are quite rare and desirable, being excellent portraits of real combat soldiers.  He wears the classic Drab campaign hat with crossed rifle insignia on front.  The unit designation on the insignia is 3 over H…possibly 9 over H (can’t be sure of the regimental number).  His coat is the Navy blue 5-button.  Back mark is “PIN-LICK/Pat’d May 31, 1898”.  Measures 1¼” in diameter.  Condition is fine.  Price guides from over 10 years ago, put this pin at $50-75 back then.   $50

48MBR  -  "REMEMBER THE MAINE" CELLULOID PIN BACK BUTTONS.  Click on thumbnail photos for larger view   

A.  Key member of a series of Spanish American War US Naval ship buttons.  This full color button has a picture of the Battleship Maine under the classic motto “Remember The Maine”.  1 ¼” diameter.  Not discolored, but celluloid has a few cracks.  A tough one to find. All the SAW/patriotic items we are listing are from our personal collection.  $35

B.  Very nice bright example.  Shows the Maine under weigh at sea.  Done in color.  Has the motto “REMEMBER THE MAINE” over the ship, on the rim.  Very fine, except for a 1/16” nick on the bottom edge.  1 ¼” diameter.  Has a lightly stained Whitehead & Hoag Company paper label in back.   $35

49MBR  -  UNBELIEVABLE WOVEN SILK RIBBON HONORING ADMIRAL DEWEY.   More Photos, Click Here  Words fail when trying to describe the detailed color illustrations micro-woven into this 3 5/8” wide, off-white silk ribbon.  I believe the actual name for this is a Stevengraph.  I don’t care how advanced our manufacturing expertise has become, as it comes to commercial weaving, I would find it difficult to believe we could do this picture perfect work today, let alone that it had been accomplished over 100 years ago.  It is amazing even under a 10x loupe.  The ribbon is almost 9” long.  From the top down “IN HONOR OF ADMIRAL DEWEY/bust of Dewey over green wreath and draped American flag/over side view of the Olympia at sea”.  Beautiful.  Was sold not only as a souvenir but as an art piece to frame, as well as to be worn on a coat at celebratory events, or perhaps as a decorative bookmark.  Has a narrow line of subtle storage darkening along the left edge.  An amazing piece from our personal collection.  $95

50MBR  -  SOUVENIR TWO-PIECE BRASS BADGE - DEWEY'S VICTORY AT MANILA.  Click on thumbnail photos for larger view   Top pin back bar has "SOUVENIR".  Suspended is a brass shield with bust of Dewey surrounded by "Admiral Dewey's Manila Victory/May 1, 1898".  1 7/8" tall.  From our personal collection.  $35

51MBR  -  FLYING EAGLE CARRYING A CUBAN FLAG STICK PIN.  Click on thumbnail photos for larger view  Side view of flying eagle, with flagstaff in its talons, carrying a Cuban flag.  Eagle is thin solid silver or silver plate.  Flag is printed paper glued to metal backing.  Color at top of flag is showing wear. From tip of eagle wing to edge of flag, it is 2 1/4" across and about 1 3/4" high overall.  Stick pin affixed to rear of eagle.  Attachment is fairly strong and original.  It just allows the pin to rotate, which is common to a large number of  Spanish American War stick pins.  Rare form.  Very good condition.  From our personal collection.  $40

52MBR  -  MECHANICAL PATRIOTIC SPANISH AMERICAN WAR FLAG PIN.  Click on thumbnail photos for larger view   Full color American flag, flying from a staff.  If you lift the flag from the fly end, you will reveal a yellow sign inside reading "TO HELL WITH SPAIN!/REMEMBER THE MAINE".  Pin back. 1" wide x 3/4" tall x 1" tall flagstaff.  Flag just a bit larger than it would be on a stick pin.  Some chipping to the red-white-blue paint on the flag.  Among the best of Spanish American War collectibles.  $95

53MBR  -  GENERAL FITZHUGH LEE SPANISH AMERICAN WAR CELLULOID PIN BACK BUTTON.  Click on thumbnail photos for larger view  Photo type portrait of General Lee on white background with red, white, blue flag rim border.  Reverse has paper label inset, which indicates maker…Whitehead & Hoag Co., plus lists several patent dates, the latest being 1896.  Label has modest wear.  Pin measures 1¼” in diameter and is very good-excellent.  Price guides at least 10 years ago placed the value at $50.   $35

54MBR  -  ADMIRAL SAMPSON SPANISH AMERICAN WAR CELLULOID PIN BACK BUTTON.  Click on thumbnail photos for larger view   Photo type portrait of Admiral Sampson on white background, with red, white, blue flag rim border.  Reverse has paper label inset from maker…Whitehead & Hoag Co., with several patent dates, the latest being 1896.  Very excellent condition.  1¼” in diameter.  At least 10 years ago, price guides indicated a value for buttons of this type at $50    $40

55MBR  -  COLOR PORTRAIT OF ADMIRAL DEWEY ON THIS CELLULOID PIN BACK BUTTON.  Click on thumbnail photos for larger view   Very attractive button with gold background and chromolithographic portrait of the Admiral in uniform.  He is identified (as if this was needed) by white print along the upper margin.  Reverse has paper label inset, with Whitehead & Hoag Co., plus several patent dates, the latest being 1896.  Measures 1¼” in diameter.  Very fine.  $40

56MBR  -  SPANISH AMERICAN WAR PATRIOTIC RIFLE PIN. Click on thumbnail photos for larger view   Consists of a steel color Winchester Lee Straight Pull Rifle with bayonet, 2" long, pin back, with a 9/16" long flat metal bullet applied at center.  Excellent with some tarnish.  Have three, all about the same condition as the one pictured.  Each...$20

57MBR  -  SPANISH AMERICAN WAR PATRIOTIC RIFLE PIN.  Click on thumbnail photos for larger view  Consists of a steel color Winchester Lee Straight Pull Rifle with bayonet, 2" long, pin back, with a 9/16" brass color spread eagle/shield applied at center.  Excellent with some tarnish.  Have two, about the same condition as the one pictured.  Each...$20

58MBR  -  CROSSED U.S. & CUBAN FLAGS SPANISH AMERICAN WAR PATRIOTIC CELLULOID PIN BACK BUTTON.  Click on thumbnail photos for larger view   Flags are against a white background; they are crossed U.S. and Cuban flags in full color, on short staffs.  1 ¼” in diameter.  Reverse has inset paper label of maker, Whitehead & Hoag Co., with some patent dates, the latest being 1896.  Fine condition.   $35

59MBR  -  IDENTIFIED MASSACHUSETTS NATIONAL GUARD SOLDIER'S PATRIOTIC RIBBON.  More Photos, Click Here    Probably given out at one of the main events the soldier's unit went through - when Federalized or when it left its training camp.  This is a 2" wide, off white cotton ribbon, 7 1/2" long, printed in red, beginning at top with a billowing American flag with ribband reading "REMEMBER THE MAINE".  Below this is a panel reading "Springfield Rifles/CO. K.".  Below this is another panel reading "2D.INFANTRY/N.G.M.(Massachusetts)/VOLUNTEERS".  At bottom is "FREE CUBA".  Definitely a wartime ribbon, worn by the soldiers from this National Guard unit.  The soldier's name is handwritten in pencil along one edge, reading "M. M. RICHARSON" (not sure of 5th letter, last name).  On the back of the ribbon there is more writing, most seems to be repeating the same information on front, and possibly his name spelled out and looks like "Marcellas Richarson", again letters of last name not exactly sure.  Very good.  Shows use; has pin holes at top.  Very rare unit specific, patriotic ribbon, especially during the War, not after it.  $65

60MBR  -  NEW YORK WELCOMES THE HERO (DEWEY) SOLID BRONZE SOUVENIR BADGE.  More Photos, Click Here  Classy, high quality solid bronze two piece badge.  The top piece is a detailed rendering of the Olympia, Dewey’s Flagship.  Hanging down is a heavy solid bronze disc-pendant with Dewey’s bust on face with the inscription “NEW YORK WELCOMES THE HERO/SEPT. 28-30 1899”.  The face has the luster of a proof coin.  The reverse face has incredibly detailed picture of the Olympia within an encircling inscription “DEWEY’S FLAG-SHIP RETURNED TO NEW YORK/SEP 28, 1899”.  Top bar is pin back.  2½” high.  Very fine.  $65

61MBR  -  BEAUTIFUL ADMIRAL DEWEY CELEBRATORY BADGE.  More Photos, Click Here  Large 3-piece badge.  Decorative pin back top bar says “SOUVENIR”, referring to one of the many grand public celebrations for Admiral Dewey returning home from the War.  From the top bar is a red-white-blue ribbon which supports a brilliantly lustrous disc pendant with Admiral Dewey’s bust under his name “ADMIRAL GEO. W. DEWEY”.  On its reverse, is an exquisitely detailed picture of his flagship, under the words “DEWEY’S FLAG-SHIP OLYMPIA 5800 Tons”.  Excellent condition.  Ribbon shows extremely subtle dulling.  Colors on the reverse of the ribbon are brighter, not having been exposed as much.  Reverse of the pendant has a bit of a light, partial fingerprint in one corner.  From most angles, it can not be seen.  3½” high overall.  $50

 

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