US, Post Civil War, Pennsylvania First Defender's Association Membership Badge
This item is listed for historical interest only. It was listed on our site previously but has been sold and is no longer available for purchase.
Sold for: $150.00

Original period manufacture. A polished zinc medal suspended from a red-white-blue silk ribbon, with a copper horizontal suspension bar. These were worn by the members of the Pennsylvania First Defenders association, to honor the soldiers of the five militia companies; The Ringold Light Artillery, Washington Artillerists, Logan Guards, National Light Infantry and Allen Infantry, who first answered President Lincoln's call for troops in April 1861. They were the first Union soldiers to reach the capital and participate in it's defense. In 1891 the original First Defender men were honored by the State of Pennsylvania with a fine quality bronze medal, each named on the reverse to the individual who served. The membership badges such as ours, were also worn by those survivors and others, who formed an association to honor the memory of the original five companies. Sound condition for it's age, normal age and wear.