7635

Mid-19th Century

RARE UNITED STATES ARMY COLORED TROOPS MEDAL

Also known as the Butler Medal or the Army of the James Medal in silver. Obverse depicts two Black soldiers in battle, with "Ferro iis Libertas Perveniet (Freedom Will Be Theirs by the Sword)" in ribband above and "U.S. Colored Troops" below. Reverse with "Campaign Before Richmond 1864" within a wreath and "Distinguished For Courage" around perimeter.
Condition: The absence of a condition report does not imply an object is free of defects. All items may have normal signs of age and wear commensurate with their age; these issues will likely not be mentioned in the condition report. Please contact Eldred's before the auction with any condition questions. Questions about condition will not be answered after purchase. Condition reports are provided as a courtesy, and we are not responsible for any errors or omissions. Important note on frames: Frames are not guaranteed to be in the same condition as they are in the item photograph. Due to handling and shipping, many frames, especially antique ones, are prone to losses. If you have questions about the condition of a frame, please contact us prior to the auction. 

  • Provenance:
    Discovered 20 years ago in a barn in Middleborough, Massachusetts.

    Notes:
    The Butler Medal was commissioned by General Benjamin F. Butler to honor the Black troops under his command for gallantry at the Battle of Newmarket Heights on September 29, 1864, part of the siege of Petersburg, Virginia.

    Butler (1818-1893), a successful lawyer from Boston who became Commander of the Army of the James in May 1864, paid for the medals out of his personal funds. They were designed by Anthony C. Paquet and manufactured in silver by Tiffany in New York, and Butler himself noted they were a similar size and quality to the medals Queen Victoria personally distributed to distinguished soldiers of the Crimea. The Butler Medal was presented to nearly 200 Black Union soldiers.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $49 $5
$50 $99 $10
$100 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $29,999 $1,000
$30,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000