This is a two piece medal named to a New Jersey veteran.

The top bar consists of a spread-winged eagle with a patriotic shield on his chest over crossed US flag. The reverse has the original operating pin.

The drop is suspended at each corner by a single chain link and is made up of crossed sword superimposed over crossed muskets over a patriotic shield with an anchor at center. Below the shield is a disc with a GAR veteran in profile at center surrounded by the Corps badges of the Union army and at top the name “E. S. SWAIN.” Behind the disc are crossed cannons with writing on each barrel. The markings read “1861-1865 VETERAN ZOUAVES” with “N. J.” at very bottom.

The medal surfaces have darkened with age otherwise the item is in good condition.

The name of the veteran “E. S. SWAIN” was stamped on the medal and not cast like the other lettering. Obviously a mistake was made at the time of production. The only veteran from New Jersey with the name “E. SWAIN” was Edward M. Swain of the 9th New Jersey, there was no “E. S. SWAIN” in a Jersey regiment.

Edward M. Swain was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey in 1832. He enlisted as a Private in Company K, 9th New Jersey Infantry on October 15, 1861. The regiment served in North Carolina and Virginia and saw action at Roanoke Island, New Bern, Fredericksburg, Kinston, Whitehall, Swift Creek, Drewry’s Bluff, Cold Harbor and Petersburg. Private Swain was mustered out on December 8, 1864 at Trenton, N.J. He died in Elizabeth on July 20, 1886 and is buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Hillside, New Jersey.

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