Vintage “Ad Altare Dei” Catholic Scout Medal — c. 1950s

⛪ To the Altar of God • Hard-earned Religious Emblem • Authentic BSA Issue

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• Original Boy Scouts of America Ad Altare Dei bronze-tone cross medal
• Yellow / white rayon ribbon with red & blue central stripes, gilt clasp bar
• Bar reads “AD + ALTARE + DEI” (Latin: “To the Altar of God”)
• Awarded to Scouts completing the Catholic religious-emblem program
• Early-mid 1950s pattern (see dating notes below)

📜 History & Significance

The Ad Altare Dei program was created in 1926 in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles by Fr. (later Msgr.) George A. Dolan as the very first religious emblem in U.S. Scouting. Its purpose is to guide Catholic Scouts through the seven sacraments and challenge them to live their faith daily. In 1939 the award won National BSA approval, and by the 1950s medals like this one were being struck for the BSA Supply Division by the famed Robbins Company of Attleboro, Massachusetts, then America’s largest fraternal-jewelry house. The Papal colors on the ribbon symbolize the connection between Church and Scouting, while the red-blue center stripes echo BSA heraldry.

📅 Dating This Medal

• Long-arm bronze cross with beveled borders = used 1950-56.
• Square-corner bar & simple “tongue” pin predates the 1960 safety-roller clasp.
• Ribbon width and color arrangement match documented 1953-56 supply-catalog images.

📏 Measurements

Cross (H × W)	≈ 2 in × 1.4 in (52 × 36 mm)
Total drop	≈ 3.5 in (89 mm)
Ribbon width	1.25 in (32 mm)
Weight	≈ 14 g

🩺 Condition

Good vintage condition with rich bronze patina. Ribbon shows light fray and gentle age toning. Pin-bar has a slight upward bend (visible in photos) but catch and hinge are sturdy and fully functional. No cracks, breaks, or repairs.

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