United States. A Society Of Colonial Wars Membership Badge

A gilded silver badge consisting of a white-enamelled, nine-armed star, encircled by a wreath of laurel leaves, with a small shield bearing a star between each of the star’s arms, surmounted by a crown, the obverse centre features a colonist with a rifle, surrounded by a ring of blue enamel bearing the inscription SOCIETY OF COLONIAL WARS 1607-1775, the reverse centre presents the profile of an indigenous person, circumscribed by a ring of blue-enamel bearing the motto FORTITER PRO PATRIA (STRONGLY FOR COUNTRY), the crown’s obverse is inscribed 222, measuring 37.60 mm in diameter, weighing 28.6 grams, and in near extremely fine condition.

Footnote: The Society of Colonial Wars is an hereditary society composed of men who trace their descents from forebears who, in military, naval, or civil positions of high trust and responsibility, by acts or counsel, assisted in the establishment, defense, and preservation of the mainland American colonies of Great Britain. The General Society presently comprises some thirty-two constituent state societies. The organization was founded in New York in 1892, originally as a state society. The General Society was founded in 1893. The total membership of state societies has for many years remained in the range of 4,000 to 4,500. Approximately 21,000 men have joined the organization during its history, including many prominent Americans. Members are typically well-educated and professionally accomplished. The Society has long sought to improve public awareness of the importance of colonial events and individuals in the shaping of America. A number of monuments, plaques, and other markers have been installed by the Society at provenient sites. The Society also funds research and educational initiatives of colonial relevance. In recent years, the goal of improving understanding of the colonial period has additionally been addressed by Samuel Victor Constant Fellowships, awarded annually for postgraduate study of colonial American history.