Ladies Society of the Army of the Potomac Brooch – Boxed

Description

Organized on July 5-6, 1869, “The object of this Society shall be to cherish the memories and associations of the Army of the Potomac; to strengthen the ties of fraternal fellowship and sympathy formed from companionship in that Army; to perpetuate the name and fame of those who have fallen either on the field of battle or in the line of duty with the Army; to collect and preserve the record of its great achievements, its numerous and well-contested battles, its campaigns, marches, and skirmishes.”

Among other notables, its founder and first President was Major-General George B. McClellan, followed by Major-Generals George Gordon Meade and Philip Sheridan. According to Dornbusch’s Military Bibliography of the Civil War, the last reunion of the Society was held in 1927.

Since no Army of the Potomac Society Ladies Auxiliary is noted in the record, the brooch from which this offering was replicated is quite likely one-of-a-kind. Clearly intended to be worn by the wife, sister, daughter, or even granddaughter, of a Veteran of the Army of the Potomac, it must have been displayed with great pride!!!

An exact miniature of the Society’s membership medal (not included), it features a 6 pointed star in red enamel representing the blood shed by their comrades in arms. Clockwise around the star, and beginning at the 12 o’clock position, we find the symbols of the 2nd Corps (tri-foil), 1st Corps (circle), 9th Corps (shield w/crossed cannon and foul anchor), 5th Corps (Maltese cross), 6th Corps (cross), and the 3rd Corps (diamond). Atop the star is a shield containing the initials AP for Army of the Potomac and the symbols of the 11th Corps (crescent) and the 12th Corps (star) which, in 1864, were merged into the 20th Corps and placed under the command of Major-General Joseph Hooker. While serving with Major-General George H. Thomas’ Army of the Cumberland, the 20th Corps defeated the Confederate Army at Lookout Mountain in, what became known as, the Battle Above the Clouds!

Packaged in a Royal Blue hinged velour case, this RECREATION, suitable for both period attire or everyday wear, is a must for the lady civil war enthusiast, the wife or daughter of a re-enactor or living historian, students of the American Civil War, and medal collectors.

The overall size of this ladies brooch is appx. 1¾” (45mm) square — which is the size of the Star on the Army of the Potomac Society’s members medal — and it comes packed in a clear plastic, foam lined presentation case.