Adopted by the New York Monuments Commission on May 6, 1893. These beautiful medals were made to honor the heroic New York soldiers who fought in the famous battle of Gettysburg, and were issued on July 1, 2, and 3, 1893, on "New York Day," at Gettysburg, on the thirtieth anniversary of the battle. The bronze medal was struck at the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia by order of the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury. A circular was printed and sent to the executive officers of each New York veteran organization requesting that they use the utmost care in verifying that every soldier who would receive one of these medals had in fact participated in the battle of Gettysburg.
The bronze bar at top includes the dates of the battle, July 1-2-3, 1863, and Gettysburg Veteran. Attached below by a suspension ring is a heavy bronze medal that measures 1 3/4 x 1 3/4. The obverse shows the New York State seal with its motto, Excelsior, at the center, and is surrounded in raised letters, "Dedication of State Monuments at Gettysburg, July 1, 2, 3, 1863, New York Day." The reverse of the medal shows the New York State monument flanked by the dates 1863 and 1893 and surrounded by a laurel wreath. The medal is backed by a red, white and blue ribbon. Complete with pin back on the reverse of the top bar. Very fine condition. Comes displayed in a glass faced case with blue velvet backing. Measures 3 1/4 x 4 1/4. An attractive medal that was awarded to New York Soldiers who fought in the monumental three day battle of Gettysburg, Pa. Very desirable! |