✅ SOLVED GAR Maryland?

[cmthunder]

Civil war medal my dad found and gave me in Baltimore.
Has anyone seen this before?

 

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[Retired Sarge]

Can't find an example like this, which just means I haven't looked at them all. Reminds me of a GAR Encampment medal, but they usually have a location or date on them. So this one has me perplexed to say the least. Some of our more knowledgable members might be able to nail it down for you, in the meantime I'll do some more research.

 

[ANTIQUARIAN]

Please don't take this the wrong way, because I'm far from being knowledgeable on these types of medals.

I tend to look at the type of metal, (in this case possibly pewter or spelter) the way it's cast, even the hole in the top and the brass loop as clues to age and use.

"Spelter, while sometimes used merely as a synonym for zinc, is often used to identify a zinc alloy. In this sense it might be an alloy of equal parts copper and zinc."

I'm thinking it's a commemorative, possibly even a 'fantasy' medal made in the 1960s.
I'm sorry, but I just don't see 155 years of wear or environmental damage on this piece.

Dave

 

[Joe-Dirt]

Please don't take this the wrong way, because I'm far from being knowledgeable on these types of medals.

I tend to look at the type of metal, (in this case possibly pewter or spelter) the way it's cast, even the hole in the top and the brass loop as clues to age and use.

"Spelter, while sometimes used merely as a synonym for zinc, is often used to identify a zinc alloy. In this sense it might be an alloy of equal parts copper and zinc."

I'm thinking it's a commemorative, possibly even a 'fantasy' medal made in the 1960s.
I'm sorry, but I just don't see 155 years of wear or ground damage on this piece.

Dave

Dave, he said his dad found it, not necessarily dug, could be a yard sale/barn find although I do agree on its metal composition. It looks to me as it’s been knocking around someone’s house for years, but who knows, someone will pipe up I’m sure. Definitely a keeper since it was a gift from Dad though!!

 

[ANTIQUARIAN]

Dave, he said his dad found it, not necessarily dug, could be a yard sale/barn find although I do agree on its metal composition. It looks to me as it’s been knocking around someone’s house for years, but who knows, someone will pipe up I’m sure. Definitely a keeper since it was a gift from Dad though!!

I completely agree Bob, my assumption was that his father had found it detecting.
He may want to consider posting it here... Antiques & Collectibles

These folks might have some theories to share as well.
Dave

 

[Doubter in MD]

I found one like it but it doesn't really shed any light on its origins.

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/civil-war-1861-1865-medal-fraternity-485729461

 

[creskol]

I found one like it but it doesn't really shed any light on its origins.

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/civil-war-1861-1865-medal-fraternity-485729461

Also from the link above:

 

[jewelerguy]

there's one on this page. Lower left corner of the pic. On it's original ribbon and bar. It's from the GAR encampment in August of 1894

https://historical.ha.com/itm/milit...x-late-19th-century-gar-badges/a/6107-52269.s

 

[cmthunder]

Thanks to everyone for investigating and researching this greatly appreciated. Yes dad found in laying in vacant lot next to his house I’m not sure about the year he found it. I was born there and lived there in 1960. Thinking he found it in 50’s.
He got me into metal detecting but one of those non metal detecting finds . Still awesome.
Thanks again!

 

[cmthunder]

Next question how can you clean aluminum?