Name/Title
Honor the Noble Dead ribbonEntry/Object ID
2010.1.2248Description
This is a 2 1/2 in. wide x 9 1/4 in. long ribbon made of satin cloth, metal, and paper. At the top of the ribbon in silver is what looks like a tombstone design banner with an urn. "Honor The Noble Dead" are the words written in black across the banner. Below this are written words that read in silver "In Memoriam." Next, on the ribbon is an eagle with wings spread standing atop crossed cannon barrels, all in silver. A silver rectangle with a cloth American Flag hangs from a silver rod. The flag contains 13 white stars on a blue background, 7 red stripes, and 6 white stripes. A 5 pointed silver star is connected to the rectangle. Each point has a small star in it, with a different symbol on it, from right to left; 2 swords with the tips touching, muskets with bayonets, crossed cannons, a bugle, and an anchor. The face of the star is described in detail in the article below, although this is not a metal piece but cloth.
Below the star, in 3 lines of text written in silver are the words: "Canton. Post, No. 25. Canton, Ohio. Beneath is a silver banner running from horizontally with 6 black stars across. A galloon adorns the bottom of the ribbon. On the reverse side is a circular paper manufacturer's label with the words "Torsch & Lee Manufacturers Baltimore, MD.
More Information about the G. A. R:
Anoka County history: "Grand Army of the Republic medal" By Maria King
Published March 13, 2013 at 1:21 pm:
"The GAR medal, introduced in 1869, is described in detail in the following excerpt from the Anoka Union newspaper, Dec. 21, 1887."
“The badge of this great fraternity is itself a souvenir of the field and is destined to become a memento to be cherished in thousands of American homes as a priceless heirloom.
“Each Grand Army badge is made of metal from cannon taken from the foe in actual battle on some of the decisive fields of the war.
“The design of the badge, in use since 1869, is one that commemorates the great struggle in many ways.
“The pendant of the badge is a fine pointed star, like the Medal of Honor granted by Congress, and is made of cannon bronze.
“The face of the medal has the Goddess of Liberty in the center, representing loyalty, and on either side stands a soldier and a sailor clasping hands in front of the Goddess to represent fraternity.
“Two children are kneeling in the foreground to receive a benediction and the assurance of protection from comrades. This is the symbol of charity.
“On each side of this center group are the flag and eagle representing freedom and an ax and a bundle of rods for union.
“In the star points are the emblems of different arms of service, bugle for infantry, cannon for artillery, muskets for marines, swords for cavalry, and an anchor for sailors.
“Surrounding the center is the legend, ‘Grand Army of the Republic, 1861 – Veterans -1866,’the later date commemorating the close of the war and the founding of the order.
“On the reverse side is a laurel branch for victory, and the national shield surrounded by the different corps badges, each on a keystone showing that they are united and will protect the union.
“The clasp of the badge is an eagle with crossed cannons and ammunition, representing defense.
“The clasp and medal are united by the national flag, which is the ribbon of the order.” *
For the complete article go to:
*http://abcnewspapers.com/2013/03/13/anoka-county-history-grand-army-of-the-republic-medal/
..."a Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) star, the symbol for a veteran who served in the Civil War. Veterans organizations have placed this star symbol at the graves of all known Union veterans and with the accompanying flag holder and flag, helps identify and honor the veteran throughout the year, but especially on patriotic holidays."
"The G.A.R. was a fraternal organization that was formed after the Civil War and was composed of veterans who saw service in the war. There were chapters in every state and in almost every town or city." **
** http://civilwar.gratzpa.org/2010/11/gratz-area-veterans-monument/
http://www.suvcw.org/
More information about Torsch & Lee:
Torsch & Lee Manufacturers was established in Baltimore, Maryland. They sold silk badges and rosettes and novelties.
Taken from:Caspar's Directory of the American Book, News and Stationery Trade, Wholesale and Retail, ...
"Torsch & Lee— (Edw. L. Torsch, James R. Lee. Since 1882. Est. 1868. ????. Torsch Bros.) Mfr Badges 26 W. Baltimore, Baltimore, Md. ï*" Manufacturers of Silk Badges for all Societies and Purposes, Rosettes, and Novelties, Embossing and Stamping In Gold and Silver Leaf."***
***https://books.google.com/books?id=nJ7PAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA514&lpg=PA514&dq=torsch+%26+lee+manufacturers+baltimore,+md&source=bl&ots=-1TSdTZ5P6&sig=iBIc5eCiLiOxyXGqDkCSgfdX-VA&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiYzfXliObLAhXHbiYKHY8iANwQ6AEIJzAC#v=onepage&q=torsch%20%26%20lee%20manufacturers%20baltimore%2C%20md&f=falseCollection
BechtelAcquisition
Accession
2010.1Source or Donor
Mr. BechtelAcquisition Method
Gift/PurchaseCredit Line
BECHTEL