When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Title:** Vintage American Legion \"40 & 8\" La Société des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Fraternal Ribbon Medal**Item Description:**
Up for sale is a vintage \"Forty & Eight\" (La Société des 40 Hommes et 8 Chevaux) honor society ribbon medal. This organization was originally founded in 1920 by American World War I veterans as an elite honor society within the American Legion. The design beautifully captures the history of the group, which named itself after the cramped French narrow-gauge railway boxcars used to transport Doughboys to the front lines—cars famously stenciled with a capacity of \"40 Hommes / 8 Chevaux\" (40 men or 8 horses).**Design Details:**
- **Top Header Bar:** Detailed bronze-toned flourish featuring a light blue enameled triangle stenciled with \"40/8\".
- **Ribbon:** Light blue textured grosgrain fabric connecting the two pieces.
- **Medallion:** Highly detailed embossed plaque depicting a WWI boxcar with a horse looking out, a soldier inside, and a second guard with a rifle standing on the tracks.
- **Reverse Marking:** Explicitly stamped \"TAIWAN\" on the reverse side of the bottom plaque.**Condition:**
Good vintage condition with an attractive, naturally aged patina on the metalwork. The pin and catch mechanism on the reverse are intact and in working order. The light blue ribbon is solid with no major fraying. Please review the included high-resolution photos with a tape measure to see the exact item condition and dimensions (measures approx. 3.5 inches tall by 2.25 inches wide).Great piece for collectors of fraternal organizations, American Legion memorabilia, or military history buffs!**Shipping:**
Safely packed and shipped out quickly. Please reach out with any questions before purchasing
