Private Mathias Tyson, 3rd New York Light Artillery, Gillmore Medal with Original Ribbon and Pin with Leather Wallet. A small brass medal, 35mm in diameter, awarded to Private Tyson of Battery F of the 3rd New York Light Artillery. The medal is engraved with an image of Fort Sumter, dated August 23, 1863, surrounded by stars at the medal edges. The medal is attached to a small metal plate, which has the soldier's name and regiment. Tyson's name is spelled, "M. Theisen." A military roll also lists Tyson as "Matthias Thyson." On verso the medal reads, "For Gallant and Meritorious Conduct Presented by Q.A. Gillmore Maj. Genl." The medal is pinned to a short, red silk ribbon. The medal and ribbon are housed in a brown leather wallet, in which Tyson has written his name and company, reading, "Mathias Tysen, 3, N.Y. Artil, Battery F." Mathias Tyson enlisted at the age of 19 as a Private and was mustered into Battery F of the 3rd New York Light Artillery on March 12, 1862. Little is known about his service in the war or what earned him a Gillmore medal. We do know that he survived the war and was mustered out on March 11, 1865. Major General Quincy A. Gillmore's medals honored those who exhibited "gallantry and meritorious conduct during the operations before Charleston", and he awarded them to enlisted men of his command who had been in action in the batteries and trenches. The medal, designed by Ball, Black, and Company of New York, was suspended by a swivel from a metal clasp. Since the Gillmore Medal was issued on the local authority of General Gillmore, it was considered an unofficial decoration by the United States Army, but was permitted for wear on a military uniform. From the Bret J. Formichi American Civil War Rarities Collection. Condition: The medal and name plate show signs of light scratching and rubbing. The pinback is still present. The medal shows signs of moderate verdigris on both faces. The red silk ribbon is lightly creased in place and has some minor soiling. The bottom edges have frayed slightly. The leather wallet is very worn and has torn in places. The closure strap has come loose. There are signs of moderate rubbing and soiling. HID03101242017