Civil War POW Ladder Badge

[Humboldt]

Posted about this a few years ago on a military forum and got some good initial responses but nothing recently.
A ladder badge passed down through my family that has handwritten POW camps listed.
It's assumed the owner was a Union officer that survived 5 Confederate POW camps.

Front:

Back:

New to this forum but have lurked for a while and seems like a lot of you might find this interesting and/or have some suggestions.

Little luck nailing anything down myself as to history or value.

Any suggestions for appraisal appreciated, or just comments or ideas.
Would like to keep/donate it instead of sell it but still curious as to what it's worth.
Offered it to the Smithsonian but they turned it down


Thanks

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

DR.ÖTEK Metal Detector, Waterproof Gold Detector, Pinpoint & Terrain Modes, Professional Metal Detector - Grab it through Amazon!

[Mackaydon]

For what it's worth, the inscription above the eagle is a botched way of spelling 'fiat justitia ruat caelum'; meaning, 'let justice be done though the heaven fall'. Or, restated, 'justice must prevail no matter the cost'. Also, the date appearing of 1880 might suggest the badge commemorates the 15-year reunion after the war.
Don........

 

[Humboldt]

For what it's worth, the inscription above the eagle is a botched way of spelling 'fiat justitia ruat caelum'; meaning, 'let justice be done though the heaven fall'. Or, restated, 'justice must prevail no matter the cost'. Also, the date appearing of 1880 might suggest the badge commemorates the 15-year reunion after the war.
Don........

Thanks. I appreciate the help.

I can always take better shots, have a much better camera now.

 

[Mackaydon]

Another thought: Since there is the number '19' on the badge AND the initials for New York, maybe it's from the CW 19th Regiment of the New York State Volunteers.
Don....

 

[Mainelypulltab]

Wish I could offer some information, just wanted to say you have a great piece of history. Never seen one before, thanks for sharing.