This item is part of A Fine Collection of American Society & Association Membership Badges. Click Here to view all items in this collection.
A Maltese cross constructed of silver, with white-and-blue enamelled arms, with rays emanating between the cross’s arms, the centre obverse presents a 14K Gold, red-enamelled medallion bearing the national eagle with arrows and an olive branch, circumscribed by the legend LEX REGIT ARMA TUENTUR (LAWS RULE ARMS PROTECT), the centre reverse displays a red-enamelled centre surrounded by the inscription M.O. LOYAL LEGION U.S. MDCCLXV, the link is numbered 10912, measuring 31.87 mm (w) x 31.99 mm (h), on loop for suspension from period original ribbon, and in near extremely fine condition.
Footnote: The Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States (MOLLUS), also known as the "Loyal Legion", is a United States patriotic order, organized on April 15, 1865, by officers of the Army, Navy, or Marine Corps of the United States who "had aided in maintaining the honor, integrity, and supremacy of the national movement" during the American Civil War. It was formed by loyal union military officers in response to rumors from Washington of a conspiracy to destroy the Federal government by assassination of its leaders, in the immediate aftermath of the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. They stated their purpose as the cherishing of the memories and associations of the war waged in defense of the unity and indivisibility of the Republic; the strengthening of the ties of fraternal fellowship and sympathy formed by companionship in arms; the relief of the widows and children of dead companions of the order; and the advancement of the general welfare of the soldiers and sailors of the United States. As the original officers died off, the veterans organization became an all-male hereditary society. The modern organization is composed of male descendants of these officers (hereditary members), and others who share the ideals of the Order (associate members), who collectively are considered "Companions". A female auxiliary, Dames of the Loyal Legion of the United States (DOLLUS), was formed in 1899 and accepted as an affiliate in 1915.