Army of the Gulf Medal

[Colonel Buckshot]

My ancestor served in the Army of the Gulf at Camp Parapet , LA with a CONN volunteer unit.  I see several Armies have medals that identified the members in later years and was wondering if the Army of the Gulf had a medal too. 

[St. George]

'The Society of the Army and Navy of the Gulf' did have a membership badge - but it was a 'membership' device and not an issued device.

Finding one is another matter entirely, and it'll likely be expensive, since veteran's badges of this sort are quite collectable.

From what I remember, the organization came about around 1871 - long after the War - and membership 'may' have been somewhat limited.

Hope it helps.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Colonel Buckshot]

was asking as I saw a store on ebay that has replica army medals such as potamic, tenn., cumberland, cavalry corp, and the kearny cross

[St. George]

I can't speak for any of those - I'm not familiar with them - and my own interests are of original pieces.

I'd 'assume' (yeah, I know....) that if they were making up fakes, then they'd make up 'all' of the fakes, since those waters have been muddied long, long ago, beginning at around the time of the Civil War Centennial, when the 'old trunks in the attics' were running low.

They made phony Corps Badges (some in silver), and things like the 'Kearny Cross' - aged them and took 'em to gun shows.

The one thing that many of the original Society Medals have in common is 'quality' - especially for the actual medals, since most were produced by major manufacturers of the era - with the really nice ones being jeweler-made, usually of gold.

Those usually went to actual Officers, and not the rank and file, who often had ones made of bronze, or with a different ribbon arrangement.

If an organization lasted into the era of the 'big' GAR Conventions - there'd be patriotic-themed silk-screened ribbons with the name of the organization and date of the Convention - and even some celluloid pins, late in the time frame, as they gained popularity.

These could be purchased at the Convention from any number of vendors - all eager to sell their wares.

If your ancestor served in that Theater, then look for an original to keep with his daguerreotype - the search should be fun.

If I can help, send me a PM.

Good Luck!

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Colonel Buckshot]

If I can get a picture of one he can make one thats all