This oval G.A.R. post badge has a low-relief applied vignette of the Monitor at center and separate wreath at bottom. At top in a ribbon scroll is, “John A. Griswold Post G.A.R.” in black letters, with the post number “338” in brass. At bottom is “Troy, N.Y.” also in black on a plaque with portions of a wreath protruding to either side. Small rivets on the reverse of the bade indicate this lower portion is separately mounted, as is a view of the Monitor on the center of the pin, though in the background a sailing ship is engraved to give the illusion of a three-dimensional picture of the Monitor at sea, or in its engagement at Hampton Roads. The gilt finish shows just some rubbing around the edge and on the interior of the pin is about 50 percent, and on the Monitor about 95 percent.

The post was chartered in February 1883 and named after John A. Griswold (1818-1872) who was not in the military, but made major contributions to the cause. A wealthy Troy businessman and politician, he helped raise the 30^th, 125^th, and 169^th regiments of NY infantry, and the 21^st NY Cavalry, which took the nickname of the Griswold Light Cavalry. More relevant to the pin, he was the owner of the iron mills at Troy and personally financed the construction of the original U.S.S. Monitor, and was later involved in the construction of other Monitor class vessels.

The use of low-relief (or bas-relief) is unusual and this is an attractive badge that would add to a G.A.R. collection or fit in a Navy or New York display as well.  [sr]

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