Beautiful, Rare New Jersey First Defender Medal Issued to Prvt. Wm. H. Atkinson, 3rd NJ Vol.

This is a beautiful and rare New Jersey First Defender medal issued to Private William H. Atkinson, 3rd New Jersey Volunteers. This medal was awarded only to volunteers who heeded Lincoln's earliest call to join the Union Army. Many states issued like medals to veterans who were among the very first to enlist, but New Jersey issued far fewer total than other states. Atkinson joined up in April 1861 when he was twenty years old. Three other volunteer infantry units, along with the 3rd, comprised the First New Jersey Brigade. Their service was concentrated largely in Virginia for the balance of the war. The First Defender medal was authorized 36 years after the close of the war, and the "Brigade" members had to personally apply in order to receive their award. Atkinson survived the war and was buried in Farmingdale, New Jersey in 192The medallion hangs from a pale blue ribbon and the reverse shows the Seal of the State of New Jersey in relief.

Circa Civil War.

Approximately 3-1/4" in height and 2" in width.

Bronze, silk.

Suspension ring, ribbon, horizontal pin with sleeved C catch.

WILLIAM H. ATKINSON engraved on front.

This is from a Civil War US Army collection which we will be listing more of over the next few months. Ebay MABJX14 LEGEX7/14 SEGEX8/14

7+ (Very Fine+): The medal has some light wear/tarnish and ribbon has some minor fading.

As with all my artifacts, this piece is guaranteed to be original, as described.