Original 1881 Union Army Son Of Civil War Veteran Medal

Description

This is a medal given to sons of Union Army veterans.  The pin holding the red white and blue ribbon has the words "Filii Veteranorum".  Filii is Latin for "son".  Veteranorum is Latin for "veteran soldiers".  Hanging below the ribbon is an eagle, the symbol of our nation, clutching an olive wreath- a symbol of victory, suspended above crossed cannons- the most powerful weapons of the Civil War.  Inside the wreath are the words "Gratia Dei Servatus".  Gratia- Thankfulness or Grace;  Dei- God;  Servatus- preserved or saved.  So, perhaps, "By the Grace of God we were Saved". At the bottom,"MDCCCLXXXI", which is the Roman numeral for 1881.  On the reverse is a circular belt with buckle, rifle cartridge case, and bayonet scabbard attached, with the words "Filii Veteranorum" again, a stylized  "USA" within the belt, and the manufacturer's name above- "Chas. M. Robbins Co. Attleboro, Mass."  Would be a wonderful gift to a veteran, or for your collection of Civil War medals and keepsakes.  The average price of these is +.  This one is only .50 and includes shipping!