A Fine Collection of American Medals

Connecticut Volunteers’ Service Medal 1861-65, bronze, unnamed, reverse numbered, ‘571’, complete with ‘Connecticut Minutemen April 1861’ brooch bar and ribbon, very fine £260-300

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Fine Collection of American Medals.

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Attributed to Private Nathan K. Story, Company C, 2nd Connecticut Volunteer Regiment. Story from Sprague, New London County, Connecticut, enlisted on 22 April 1861.

On 15 April 1861, President Lincoln issued his first call for three-month volunteers to join Federal troops in the war against the Confederacy. The following day, Governor Buckingham of Connecticut echoed the President’s call. The President’s original announcement had demanded only one regiment from Connecticut, however, such was the eagerness of men of the state to join, that the Governor was obliged to intercede with the President to allow at least three regiments to be formed. The President was pleased to grant this and the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Regiments of Connecticut Volunteer Infantry were formed. It was not until 21 May 1903 that a medal was instituted by the State to reward those first volunteers. It is believed that only 730 numbered medals were awarded. With copied roll extracts and other research. See also lot 589.