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Historic Richmond Town

Object Record


Object Name Medal, Commemorative
Date ca. 1863
Description Civil War medal. Circular bronze disk on a narrow hanger attached to a red, white and blue striped ribbon folded in half. Medal has raised image of a fort with inscription: "FORT SUMTER / AUG. 23D 1863"; inscription on reverse: "FOR GALLANT AND MERITORIOUS CONDUCT / PRESENTED / BY / Q. A. Gillmore / Maj. Genl." The metal hanger which attaches the ribbon to the circular medal is engraved with a name that is not readily legible; it has a pin and clasp on its reverse.
(Keywords: United States)
Acquisition Gift of Edward Knoblock
Ownership and History Research indicates that this medal, known as the Gillmore Medal, was produced by the New York firm of Ball, Black and Co. and presented to enlisted men who served in and around Charleston, South Carolina. Recipients of the Gillmore medal included those who fought with the 54th Massachusetts Regiment, led by Robert Gould Shaw, during the assault on Battery Wagner at Morris Island. Gillmore's order for the awarding of medals, dated Oct. 28, 1863, was published in the New York Times on November 4, 1863.
Earliest Date 1863
Latest Date 1864
Maker Ball, Black and Co., New York, NY
Subjects Civil wars
Military decorations
Lexicon Sub-category Documentary Artifact
Catalog Number X97.1954
Support Acknowledgment Online Collections Database record made possible by the Staten Island Historical Society, May 2013.
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