This isn't a coin, but another attic treasure (maybe). Again, I found this amongst junk, thought it looked pretty interesting so I searched the internet for information. There are currently two listed on ebay, one for $1,700 and one for $1,800. But there are also replicas for $10-$25. So the question is how could I go about finding out if this is authentic or a cheap replica? The pin on the back is a threaded like a screw. I have no idea where this could have came from, I know that some of my ancestors last name's during the period were Messick, so perhaps that is what the M stands for in W.R.M. They were from the West Virginia area so it's possible that they fought for the confederacy, but I really have no idea.
Can i ask , what the very small writing says ? It seems to be a makers name. The ones ive seen say Atlanta.
I think it says "Whitehead & Hoag Co. Newark". The ones that I seen on ebay say the same thing. Would this small of writing be on a replica? Here is a link to one for sell that is the most similar to mine going for $1,050 its made by Whitehead and Hoag. But all the other ones I find have full names, not just initials like the one I have. http://www.lostcausemilitaria.com/cgi-bin/display_item.asp?422
I looked at some which didnt have the small writing at all.It would appear they were made in more than one place.The fastener seems correct for the period. Im almost sure there is a list of everyone that ever got one of those.The initials might be on that list. An interesting link that should clear it up for you. http://www.hqudc.org/so_cross/
Two things jumped out at me. One is it was made in Newark, NJ. No self respecting Confederate would buy their medals from a Yankee. Also, I think West Virginia was either neutral or split from Virginia to join the Union, though some folk from there could have fought for the South.
It looks like a pin or award of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, who supported the UCV (United Confederate Veterans) and honored the "Lost Cause." I don't know how rare they are, but the UDC had many members throughout the South in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
I agree that it's either a reproduction of the famous piece, or a post-war rememberance piece. No way would they have made a legitimate medal during the CW in Newark, so it has to be post-war.
This is taken direct from the web site of the United Daughters of the Confedracy, link is in the post by Fullmoonkid Mr. Charles W. Crankshaw of Atlanta was chosen to manufacture the Crosses, but the first order was not given until the UDC had secured a copyright (February 20, 1900). During the first 18 months of the Cross's availability, 12,500 were ordered and delivered We can see from this that they are post civil war and there is nothing to say that later versions were not produced in the North, for all we know the manufacturer might have had ties to the south
I know that in 1961 here in Alabama you could buy things like that.my father in law got this in 1961,re strike of 1c 1861 CSA cent. so the metals may have been offered too?
Some interesting reading. [FONT=Trebuchet MS, Arial, Helvetica]Whitehead & Hoag Sussex Avenue & First Street [/FONT][FONT=Trebuchet MS, Arial, Helvetica] [/FONT][FONT=Trebuchet MS, Arial, Helvetica] From: Newark the Metropolis of New Jersey. At the Dawn of the 20th Century. 1901 The Whitehead & Hoag Company have utilized celluloid in its most attractive character, the advertising novelties produced by them in this material being by far more handsome and artistic than anything else which is offered in the line of personal advertising or appropriate souvenir work. This company was first organized under New Jersey laws in 1892 with a capital of $500,000. Its progress has been so rapid that in 1899 the capital stock was increased to a million dollars, and the plant at Washington and Warren Streets, originally a three-story building 50 by 80 feet in floor dimensions, has been increased by the addition of a 50 by 100 feet four-story structure and another of like area and five stories in height. The aggregate of floor space is nearly one hundred thousand square feet, and there are several hundred persons employed by the company in the manufacture and sale of buttons, badges, banners, flags and an almost infinite variety of taking advertising novelties in celluloid, metal, ribbons, silk and woven fabrics. The plant, though only eight years in existence, is the largest of its kin in the world, and the goods it produces are sold all over the civilized globe. The main business office is in this city and at the works, but branch offices are maintained in no less than 30 leading cities, the one in London, England, being under the personal management of Mr. A. J. Keil, the secretary of the company. The other officers and directors are Newark's highly esteemed citizens.[/FONT] http://www.oldnewark.com/busind/misc/whitehead.htm Original Whitehead & Hoag Co., Newark, New Jersey Button Collectors catalog circa 1896-1901. Yes, there were lots of pinback button collectors in this early classic pinback button era. That is one of the reasons that so many different designs of buttons were issued. We do not know the precise month & year that this very rare catalog was issued. But, it is likely that the catalog was issued prior to McKinley's assination on 6 September 1901 as he is the last president mentioned in the 24 button president set on page 5 of the catalog. http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/imajgin/items/PINBACK_BUTTON_CATALOG_WHITEHEAD___HOAG_CIRCA_1896_1901 There you go , its safe to assume its a high quality copy made for collectors.The reason the pinback struck me as being from the correct period is because it is from the correct period,if not the very same year.
They were made from actual Confederate cannons left in the North and purchased by the UDC for the purpose of making the pins.
First, welcome to the neighborhood! You do realize that this thread is almost 8 years old, don't you? Chris
