Society of the Cincinnati Eagle Insignia Medal, Miniature - Silver gilt and enamels with a gold ring, obverse illustrates Cincinnatus receiving a sword from three senators, surrounded by the inscription "OMNIA RELINQUIT SERVARE REMPUBLICAM" (He abandons everything to serve his country), reverse illustrates Cincinnatus at the plow with Fame above and the sun in the distance, surrounded by the inscription "SOCIETAS CINCINNATORUM INSTITUTA A.D.: 1783" Society of Cincinnati Instituted A.D. 1783), 15.8 mm x 18.7 mm, original ribbon lightly soiled at the top, minor enamel chipping in the eagle's tail on the obverse, near extremely fine.
Footnote: The Society of the Cincinnati was organized near Newburgh, New York, on May 13, 1783, at the end of the American Revolutionary War, by Continental officers who fought in the American Revolution, as a way for Continental and French officers to maintain their bonds of friendship and to recognize the ideals for which they fought to secure the independence of the United States. George Washington was the first President General of the Society, from 1783 until his death in 1799. Pierre Charles L'Enfant, an original member of the French branch of the Society and the man who designed Washington, D.C., designed the society's first emblem. He is reported to have said, "The bald eagle, which is peculiar to this continent, and is distinguished from those of other climes by its white head and tail, appears to me to deserve attention." The Eagles were made in Paris in 1784 by Duval and Francastel. Since then, American and French jewelers including Jeremiah Andrews, Tiffany & Company, and Arthus Bertrand have produced Eagles in varying forms. The second society medal pictured here is bestowed upon members of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, a fraternal order of descendents of those who fought in the American Revolutionary War or otherwise served the struggle for American independence.