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1865 Abraham Lincoln Union League Mourning Ribbon

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Historical Memorabilia Start Price:190.00 USD Estimated At:300.00 - 500.00 USD
1865 Abraham Lincoln Union League Mourning Ribbon
<B>1865 Abraham Lincoln Union League Mourning Ribbon</B></I> During the Civil War, Union League Clubs were secretive organizations formed throughout the north after the Republican midterm election losses of 1862 and the mounting military defeats. Their purpose was to bolster morale and support the policies of President Lincoln. These clubs distributed war literature, recruited volunteers for the army, and raised money for soldier relief. In 1863 a convention at Cleveland set up the national headquarters at Washington. After the war the Union League developed into a strong political organization that controlled the black vote in the south. By the end of Reconstruction, the league had vanished except for a few major city clubs that developed into conservative social organizations. This item is a ribbon issued in 1865 by the Union League mourning the death of their beloved President. In black printing on the embossed white silk ribbon (3.25" x 8") with decoratively cut edges is, "1865 / UNION LEAGUE / ABRAHAM LINCOLN / The Nation Mourns his Loss" along with a patriotic eagle vignette. There is a light stain affecting a portion of the word Lincoln that must be mentioned but overall, the ribbon is near mint and very desirable. Lot:258