Bronze, 35mm, its swivel suspension clasp engraved with the recipient's name and regimental affiliation as follows: "G. E. Hazen / Co. M. 3d R.I.A." The medal's obverse is captioned "Fort Sumter / August 23d 1863" and shows the once formidable structure reduced to rubble after several days of well-directed federal bombardment. Interestingly, for a Union medal, high magnification reveals the Confederate national colors still flying defiantly above Sumter's battered ramparts. The reverse perimeter legend, "For Gallant and Meritorious Conduct," encircles a central proclamation reading "Presented by Q. A. Gillmore Maj. Genl." A military engineer trained at West Point, Major General Quincy Adams Gillmore made a gallant effort to capture Charleston, South Carolina. To achieve that goal, he tried neutralizing the city's defenses with all of the considerable firepower at his disposal. The courage and devotion to duty demonstrated by Gillmore's men was not unnoticed and the general had some 400 medals for valor privately issued under his own name by the New York firm of Ball, Black & Co. The example offered here is but one of approximately 20 that were distributed late in 1863. The recipient of this specimen was George E. Hazen, Co. "M," 3rd Rhode Island Heavy Artillery. This battery, commanded by Captain Joseph Comstock, was organized in Providence and spent its war in South Carolina. Hazen enlisted as a private on January 27, 1862 and mustered out as a sergeant on March 17, 1865. In addition to bombarding Fort Sumter, Hazen's battery was instrumental in bringing about the fall of Forts Wagner and Gregg.

Original in every respect with deeply toned surfaces and natural wear to the highest points.

$3,500 - 4,500