This is a reunion badge of General George A. Custer's Civil War command dated 1907. The badge was made by the Whitehead & Hoag Co. of Newark, New Jersey. From June 1863 through September 1864 Custer commanded what became known as the "Michigan Brigade". The brigade consisted of the 1st, 5th, 6th and 7th Michigan Cavalry Regiments. This brigade was formed in 1862 and fought in every major engagement of the Army of the Potomac until it was disbanded after the Confederate surrender in 1865. The brigade began having reunions in the 1890's, but were advertised as the Michigan Brigade reunions. In 1907 a reunion was organized by Henry C. Beeman to be held in Canandaigua, New York. Beeman had been 15 years old when he enlisted in the Union Army in 1862, serving under Custer's command. Beeman chose to market his reunion as the Custer's Command reunion. It was held on the 21st and 22nd of August, 1907 in Canandaigua, New York, attended by 283 veterans of the brigade. Part of the success of the event was the fact that Henry Beeman was well known in the area after having served as the town's Chief of Police for 25 years. Perhaps the biggest contribution to the success was the fact that Elizabeth Custer, wife of General Custer, was in attendance. To commemorate the event souvenir spoons and this medal were sold. The medal is made of bronze and was minted by Whitehead & Hoag Company of Newark, New Jersey. The suspension has crossed sabers with a laurel wreath in the center. On a banner above the sabers is written CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. Below the sabers on another banner are the dates AUG.21.22.1907. The face of the medal has a bust of Custer wearing his Major General's uniform with a broadrimmed hat. On the perimeter is stamped FIRST REUNION GEN'L. GEO. A. CUSTER'S COMMAND 1861-1865. The backs of the suspension and medal are both marked with the Whitehead & Hoag logo. The patina on the bronze is killer! This is one rare medal, as only 300 were produced. If you collect Custer artifacts or anything related to the Michigan brigade this one is for you.

Item # AA915

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