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Commemorative/Mourning Ribbon with Image of Lafayette
1834
Maker not marked
USA
Silk, ink
Overall: 5-5/8"h x 2-3/8"w
Loaned by the Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts
GL2004.7546

White silk ribbon printed in black. Rectangle frame in the center around a bust profile image of a man. Oval leafy wreath around the portrait. Lettering reads, "La Fayette. / Born Sept. 6, 1757. / Died May 20th, 1834."


Lafayette died in Paris in May of 1834. The next month the United States House of Representatives resolved that members wear a badge of mourning for thirty days as a sign of respect and “recommended to the People of the United States to wear a similar badge for the same period.” Some Americans wore ribbons, like this one, which were printed for the occasion.