Skip to content

Museum object · Slavery and Freedom Objects

Silver badge for George Washington Perkins of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry

1864-1865

Fort Sumter, Charleston, Charleston County, South Carolina, United States, North and Central America

Source image for Silver badge for George Washington Perkins of the 54th Massachusetts InfantryLoading image…
Visit the source record ↗

Source catalog description

This description refers to material held by Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Visual details below describe the original material.

A Maltese cross with a disk at center showing Fort Sumter flying an American flag overhead in raised relief with water in the foreground. The owner’s name [Washnt Perkins 54 Ms. Vol / Co. A] is centered over the fort etched in a half-circle. Each of the arms of the cross is hand engraved with a battle fought by the 54th Massachusetts Infantry — (clockwise from top) Olustee, Darien, Wagner, and James Isd — done in different lettering than the owner’s name. The back of the badge has a T-bar pin closure.

Sources & collection details

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture — original record ↗

Source collection ↗

Catalog metadata · CC0 · Source checked 2026-10-13

Catalog reference: 2014.104.12

Continue exploring Series 1

Slavery, Resistance & Freedom →

Explore all Series 1 cards →