This is a fine piece of history from a Civil War veteran. It is an original reunion badge that was worn by a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. This was the veteran's organization of the Union veterans of the Civil War. In order to become a member of the organization you had to prove that you served honorably for the United States during the war. This is the badge that the veteran would have worn for funerals of the members. It has the black ribbon and it has the Member medal image in the center and at the top it reads "IN MEMORIAM". At the bottom it has the Des Moines, Iowa location as well as noting it was for the Kinsman Post No. 17. The original attachment pin is missing from the reverse. The top bar has the "GAR" lettering. The other side has the beautiful crossed flags as well as the same post and location marking. These could be reversed for regular meeting and the other side for the mourning. The ribbon displays beautifully. It measures 8-1/2 inches by 2-1/2 inches in size. It isn't often that you get a chance to get one of these in this fine condition.