United States. Certificate of Merit Medal

An un-numbered, un-named & unmarked replica

The medal fitted with a crimp brooch with long hinged pin and intricate drop lock clasp fittings on reverse

Instituted by an Act of Congress on 3 March 1847, the Certificate of Merit (a parchment certificate) was originally conceived as a reward to mark the gallantry of soldiers in the United States Army who held the rank of Private. In 1854, eligibility was expanded to include awards to Sergeants. It was only in 1905, that an actual medal (of the type here offered) was authorized to be issued and worn by recipients of the 'Certificate' - medals also being issued retrospectively to those who had earned the 'Certificates' for campaigns since the Mexican War. The award was discontinued by Act of Congress on 9 july 1918, following the introduction of the Distinguished Service Medal

Reference 'The Call of Duty' (Strandberg & Bender, 1994), a total of 1206 x Certificates of Merit were issued

A finely struck example

Condition: EF

Code: 23700