Silver badge for George Washington Perkins of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry

S.M. Ward & Co., American, active 1860s · 1864-1865

A Maltese cross with a disk at center showing Fort Sumter flying an American flag overhead in raised relief with water in the foreground. The owner’s name [Washnt Perkins 54 Ms. Vol / Co. A] is centered over the fort etched in a half-circle. Each of the arms of the cross is hand engraved with a battle fought by the 54th Massachusetts Infantry — (clockwise from top) Olustee, Darien, Wagner, and James Isd — done in different lettering than the owner’s name. The back of the badge has a T-bar pin closure.