Object Record
Images
Additional Images [1]
Metadata
Catalog Number |
1979.54.11 |
Object Name |
Medal, Commemorative |
Date |
August 26, 1863 |
Description |
Circular, commemorative medal. On the obverse, a row of stars along the edge surrounds the text "UNION LEAGUE / JULY 4'TH / 1776 / 1863 / PHILADELPHIA." In the center, there is a stars and stripes shield with a ribbon across inscribed, "E PLURIBUS UNUM." On the reverse, a row of stars along the edge surrounds the text "ORGANIZED / DECEMBER / 27TH / 1862." The medal is attached to a red, white, and blue grosgrain ribbon with a white border via a hole in the medal, a link, and a hanger formed to hold the ribbon. The hangers are shaped like buckles with an "x" pattern. The top hanger has a pin on the reverse. The ribbon is held together on the reverse with a straight pin. The medal is fixed to a metal dowel bored through glass in a wood frame. A label, also in the frame, reads, "Presented to / MAJ. GENL. H.W. HALLECK / AUGUST 26, 1863, / BY The Union League of Philadelphia / with the Freedom of the League House / Presented May 3, 1890, / to THE LEAGUE by / Maj. Genl. Schuyler Hamilton, U.S. Vols." |
Dimensions |
H-3.5 W-1.25 Dia-1.25 inches |
Notes |
In 1979, a group of 11 similar Union League Silver Medals were given catalog numbers 1979.54.1-1979.54.11. These numbers are painted on the medals, so the numbering system was retained. |
Provenance |
This medal was presented to Major General Henry Wagner Halleck by The Union League of Philadelphia on August 26, 1863. It was donated back to the Union League by Major General Schuyler Hamilton on May 3, 1890. The Union League of Philadelphia awarded silver medals from 1863 to 1991. The Union League Silver Medal, one of the "medals of honor" of the Union League, is awarded to civic leaders of distinction who, through their actions, demonstrated a high degree of patriotism and made significant contributions to the United States of America. Many of the first awardees were Union officers during the Civil War or individuals who made significant contributions to the Union cause during the Civil War. There is some discrepancy between the official list of awardees, the names inscribed on some of the medals, and the owners of some of the medals. The reason for this is unclear. In 1991, The Union League of Philadelphia Silver Medal was renamed the Lincoln Award. |
Relation |
Show Related Records... |
Legal Status |
Owned by The Union League of Philadelphia |
People |
Halleck, Henry Wager |
Search Terms |
Union League of Philadelphia Medal of Honor Union League of Philadelphia Silver Medal |