Old West & Native American Auction
Lot 1473b:
Description
Pair of Spanish American War veteran medals. The medal on the left is the U.S. Marine Corps Spanish Campaign Medal (1898), which correctly bears the specific USMC reverse inscription: “UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS FOR SERVICE” around the eagle-on-anchor device. The blue and yellow striped ribbon was officially adopted in 1913, replacing the original red and yellow ribbon (which resembled the Spanish flag) at Spain’s request and dates post-1913, though the service it honors took place in 1898.
The accompanying decoration is the Society of the Army of Santiago de Cuba Cross (Santiago Cross), a highly desirable, quasi-official award for those who participated in the pivotal Santiago Campaign. The stamped number 66672 on the reverse of the suspension bar would have been a registry number, which can sometimes be researched to identify the veteran or their service era.
The combination of the two pieces is a superb veteran’s grouping, representing service in Cuba by a Marine. Both pieces are struck in bronze or a similar alloy and display an attractive, undisturbed patina. The medals are in excellent overall condition, with the ribbons showing appropriate fading and minor fraying consistent with a piece worn for veterans’ events in the early 20th century. The pinbacks are intact and fully functional. Santiago Cross: W 1.75″ and H 4.75”, USMC Medal H 3” and W 1.5″.
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