Society of California Volunteers Medal

Description

This Civil War Veterans’ Fraternal Order was founded in on December 2, 1865 in San Francisco, California. Therefore, and with the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States (MOLLUS) not withstanding, that makes the Society of California Volunteers the first such order organized after the war. Also shown, is the Certificate of Membership issued to Lt. John. W. Sim, Co. A, 2nd Mass Cavalry who a member of the “California 100”, later expanded to the “California Battalion” as more men from the Golden State volunteered to serve in the Massachusetts Cavalry.

Unfortunately, the date of his induction into the Society has faded. Why is this medal so rare? Simply stated, according to the records of the Numismatic Society of America, a request was sent to the Society along with check in the amount of $10 to secure a copy of the medal to add to their vast historical holdings. Subsequently, at a later date the money was returned with a note simply stating, “Unavailable at any price!” Now, what that means is anyone’s guess. However, to-date no membership medal has surfaced!

So, the only records available to indicate what it may have looked like if, in fact, it was ever struck at all, are the organization’s Constitution, as amended, August 25, 1896 and Lt. Sim’s membership certificate. Sadly, even these documents are lacking to top of the medal since it clear the EUREKA medal was meant to be attached to a top piece, but no illustration of that can be found. So, we have recreated what we feel is a suitable hanger, based on reunion medals from other organizations, which represented California at various post-war reunions. Also, the medal suspension ribbon or drape, was to reflect the branch of service in which the member served {Sky Blue for Infantry, Red for Artillery, and Gold for Cavalry}. Sons of veterans, who could be granted admission upon the passing of their father, were to be issued medals with a R/W/B ribbon and we have chose to replicate that drape.

The Latin inscription, “Palmam qui meruit ferat” is translated as, “Let whoever earns the palm bear it.” This motto became widely know as the personal motto of Horatio Nelson and was added to his coat of arms when he was granted the title of Baron Nelson of the Nile. More recently, in 1908 it was adopted as the motto of the University of Southern California.

• This VERY LARGE reproduction measures 4 5/8” (115mm) overall and the star itself is appx. 1 3/4” (45mm) square.
•  Suspended from the frock with a barrel safety clasp, it comes packed in a clear plastic, foam lined presentation case.