Society of the Army & Navy of the Confederate States in Maryland Gettysburg Ribbon Attributed to Harry Gilmor, November 19, 1886

Description

Society of the Army & Navy of the Confederate States in Maryland Gettysburg Ribbon Attributed to Harry Gilmor, November 19, 1886

 

Rare and visually striking silk ribbon issued by the Society of the Army & Navy of the Confederate States in Maryland for a gathering at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, on November 19, 1886. Printed in red, white, and blue, the ribbon features crossed Confederate battle flags above intertwined Army & Navy insignia, boldly proclaiming its Confederate veteran association and the historic Gettysburg venue. 

 

This example descends from the estate of famed Confederate cavalry officer Major General Harry W. Gilmor (1838–1883), one of Maryland’s most celebrated Confederate veterans. A daring cavalry commander under J.E.B. Stuart, Gilmor became legendary for his raids behind Union lines throughout Maryland and Pennsylvania. Following his death, his memory remained central to Maryland Confederate veteran organizations, many of whose members had served alongside him during the war. 

 

The Society of the Army & Navy of the Confederate States in Maryland was among the earliest and most prestigious Confederate veteran organizations. Its reunions and battlefield visits served to preserve the bonds forged during the conflict while commemorating the service of Maryland Confederates. The 1886 Gettysburg gathering represented a particularly significant pilgrimage, bringing former Confederates back to the battlefield where so many Marylanders had fought during Lee’s Pennsylvania Campaign. 

 

Dating only twenty-three years after the Battle of Gettysburg and carrying a direct association to Harry Gilmor, this ribbon represents an exceptional piece of early Confederate veteran memorabilia, combining strong Gettysburg significance with one of the most recognizable names in Maryland Confederate history. 

 

Inventory Number: CON 697