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449

EXCEPTIONAL SOLID GOLD INDIANA GAR PRESENTATION BADGE.

Currency:USD Category:Everything Else / Other Start Price:NA Estimated At:3,000.00 - 4,000.00 USD
EXCEPTIONAL SOLID GOLD INDIANA GAR PRESENTATION BADGE.
EXCEPTIONAL SOLID GOLD INDIANA GAR PRESENTATION BADGE. An exceptionally rare and historic GAR presentation medal presented to Gil R. Stormont, of Princeton, Indiana in appreciation for his efforts as Department Commander for 1891. Composed of five parts, all in precious metal and set with nine diamonds. From the top: eagle and cannons in gold, with inset garnet eyes for eagle; commander bar of gold with black enamel inset, with two silver stars, each set with a diamond; hanging from the center of the bar is a gold pendant featuring the Corps of Engineers Castle, a ribbon engraved, "Army of the Cumberland", two crossed oars and an anchor, representing the Pontoon Brigade of the 58th Indiana; a star-shaped pendant with enameled blue background inset with a white triangle, and a red, three dimensional acorn, representing the three corps comprising the Army of the Cumberland; finally the GAR star in gold, each point inset with a diamond. The reverse of the star is engraved "Presented by the 12th Annual Encampment, Deparment of Indiana, Held At Indianapolis, April 9th-10th, 1891 to Gil R. Stormont Department Commander 1890." We are uncertain which Princeton Stormont this was presented to: there were four, none of whose service records match precisely the recipient of this medal. Two served in Co A of the 80th Indiana (James R. and Robert P.) one Gavin R. served in the 33rd, and Joseph W. served in the 42nd. We assume, that it was James, whose nickname might have been "Gil." According to the documentation accompanying the medal the gold comprising the eagle hanger and star (presumably the smaller pendant) are made of gold found in Brown County, Indiana deposits. The history of this badge is apparently well-documented in speeches made at the time by Indiana Governor Ira Chase, and others at a meeting held in Princeton, Indiana in June 1891. An exceptional GAR and Indiana rarity. EXC . PLEASE NOTE: THIS LOT WILL BE SOLD ON EBAY LIVE AUCTIONS BETWEEN 5:00-6:00pm EASTERN DAYLIGHT TIME ON MAY 10, 2002. REGISTER NOW TO BID LIVE ONLINE THE DAY OF THE SALE! (EST 3000-4000)
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