Mexican-American War veteran's badge with pinback closure. Brass. Approx. 2 1/8 x 2 1/4 in. 

Obverse decorated with a ship, cannon, and other military motifs, surrounded by the names of major battles arranged along the border. The center features the word “MEXICO,” together with a yucca plant and an image of Chapultepec Castle within a wreath, with the names “PERRY,” “SCOTT,” and “TAYLOR” below.

These medals were commissioned in 1876 by the National Association of Veterans of the Mexican War to honor the service of surviving participants in the conflict. Unlike later American wars, the federal government issued official commemorative medals only to Generals Winfield Scott and Zachary Taylor for their leadership during the Mexican–American War. In response to this limited recognition, the Association created these privately issued medals to commemorate the service of ordinary soldiers and officers who had taken part in the campaign.

The reverse is engraved: “Andrew C. Hereford / 2nd Mo. Cav.” Additional scratched markings appear on the reverse; one clearly reads the date “1876” beneath the engraving, while the inscriptions above it are illegible.

[Mexican War, Mexican-American War, Seminole Wars, Florida Wars] [Veterans, Veterans’ Organizations, Fraternal Organizations] [Medals, Corps Badges, Badges]