GAR Medals

Object/Artifact

-

Lincoln County Historical Association

Name/Title

GAR Medals

Description

Set of six GAR medals and insignia. Two cap insignia of gold leaf surrounding silver "GAR" letters. One insignia on black fabric for mourning. One GAR medal of five pointed star with soldiers shaking hands in the center. Ribbon American flag patterned and top of medal has eagle holding firearms. One memorial day badge with image of regular GAR medal and red white and blue ribbon. One medal with image of soldier and ribbon with two crossed American flags. Center badge is black mourning ribbon reading "Dunbar Post No. 59 Newcastle, ME." The Harlow Dunbar Post No. 59 was a GAR chapter for Civil War veterans from Newcastle, Damariscotta, Nobleboro, and surrounding towns. All medals belonged to Abram Tarr Gamage who was a corporal in the 4th Maine Infantry Regiment, Co. E.

Made/Created

Manufacturer

Unknown

Date made

circa 1882 - circa 1911

Time Period

late 19th or early 20th century

Place

Country

United States

Continent

North America

Notes

Dates above are when Post 59 was in operation

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Type

Inscription

Location

On bottom of black mourning badge

Transcription

"Dunbar Post No. 59 Newcastle, ME"

Type

Brass Letters

Location

In center of leaf design on hat insignias

Transcription

"GAR"

Material

Cloth, Metal

Color

Black, Gold, Silver, Red, White, Blue

Condition

Overall Condition

Good

Condition Detail

Fading

Notes

Most in good condition, some ribbons faded/fraying

Relationships

Related Person or Organization

Person or Organization

Abram Tarr Gamage

Research Notes

Notes

Post No. 59 was the local GAR chapter Civil War veterans from Newcastle, Damariscotta, Nobleboro, and surrounding towns. They met in Union Hall in Newcastle until it burnt down in 1908. Around 1900 they had over 90 members. See: https://lcnme.com/opinion/columns/damariscotta-history-298/

Notes

Abram Tarr Gamage was born in Bristol on November 1, 1838. He enlisted in June of 1861 in Company E of the 4th Maine Infantry Regiment. He was living in Damariscotta at the time and was married. He was discharged due to disability in September 1863. He died February 18, 1913