1905 National Association of Union Ex-Prisoners of War Pin & Ribbon
Brief Description
This National Association of Union Ex-Prisoners of War pin/ribbon was made for the 1905 Denver G.A.R Encampment.
Each outer wing has 13 stars, representing the 13 original states. There are two scenes depicted in the center of the pin. The left-center shows Mt. Holy Cross. The right-center shows the cog railway on Pikes Peak.
Info
- Date: September 1905
- Size: 1 5/8" x 3/4"
- Weight (pin): 10 grams
- Manufacturer: The Whitehead & Hoag Co.
- ID: PIK-1905POW
- Acquisition Date: November 2025
- Repository: Coloradotopia Archives
Photographed in a light box by Coloradotopia.
Image use restricted.
Image Dating Comments
The date is still legible on the ribbon, and the event is widely documented.
Who's who?
Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) – This was a fraternal organization of veterans from the American Civil War.
National Association of Union Ex-Prisoners of War (N.A.U. Ex-P.O.W.) – This was a fraternal organization consisting of P.O.W veterans from the Civil War.
Smaller fraternal organizations would often hold their annual conventions in conjunction with the G.A.R. encampments. There were 30 veterans associations scheduled to be present at this G.A.R. encampment.1
More Comments & Discussion
You can see what the ribbon originally looked in this discussion thread found elsewhere – https://civilwartalk.com/threads/new-york-andersonville-survivors-medal.134884/page-2.
Condition, Aging & Authenticity: There is no visible oxidation or damage to the front of the pin upon arrival. A small amount of the original golden brass tone can still be seen. The ribbon is “hanging on for dear life”, with one large piece detached and about to completely break apart.
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