Collection of over 40 Civil War items related to Michigan-area soldiers and postwar events, the bulk of which are reunion badges and ribbons dating between 1875 and 1920. These include:
Lot of 33 event ribbons for Michigan-area Civil War reunions dated between 1875 and 1924, ranging in size from 5 x 2 to 10 x 2.5, which contain reunions held in cities like Centreville, Three Rivers, Sturgis, Allen, Colon, Burr Oak, White Pigeon, Constantine, Bay City, Battle Creek, Port Huron, and Kalamazoo. Includes a pair of National reunion badges for the 49th and 51st encampments held in Washington, D.C. (1915) and Boston (1917).
A Civil War 50th anniversary badge for the 46th annual reunion held by the 11th Michigan Infantry at Three Rivers, Michigan, on August 24-25, 1911, measures 4.75″ in length, with red-white-and-blue ribbon topped with a handsome upper bar with an embossed soldier, rifles, and flag, and the bottom featuring a small portrait frame with an image of Col. William L. Stoughton.
A ‘Grand Army of the Republic’ in memoriam ribbon for “Prutzman, Post No. 72” of Three Rivers, Michigan, measuring 9″ in length, with the top bearing a “G.A.R.” bar and the bottom with silver bullion tassels. This Post was named to honor Edward M. Prutzman of Three Rivers. He enlisted in the 25th Michigan Infantry as Sergeant Major on September 11, 1862, at age 20, and was killed in action at Resaca, Georgia, on May 14, 1864.
A group of four ‘Grand Army of the Republic’ badges for Michigan-area Civil War reunions, measuring between 4.5″ and 5.75″ in length, each with attractive embossed upper bars and pendants, issued for the following: Bay City (1916), Battle Creek (1917), Saginaw (1918), and Port Huron (1920).
Also included is an ALS from John Mulford Raymond (1847-1941), who, at the age of 14, enlisted in Company H, 11th Regiment, Michigan Volunteer Infantry, on December 5, 1861, and was assigned detail as a Drummer Boy. He was honorably discharged on December 5, 1864. The handwritten letter, July 5, 1917, addressed to Leslie Seekell, in part: “Dear Friend & Comrade, please find enclosed pictures taken at last Reunion. Will you kindly give or send the 3 others to the Fifer who helped us at our reunion...Are you going to attend the national at Boston, I think Boston will give the boys good time.” Accompanied by the original mailing envelope with a portrait cachet of Raymond with his drum.
A period brass-tone 1.25″ mourning locket containing a small soldier portrait and a lock of brunette hair. In overall very good to fine condition, with the letter and envelope permanently affixed to a binder sheet.
