This rare souvenir metal pen tray shows the Soldiers' Sailors' Monument in Des Moines, Iowa with a decorative flower and leaf border. It shows the monument which honors the Iowa generals, soldiers, and sailors that fought in the Civil War.

The tray is approximately 8.75" by 3.5" and is in used condition with minimal wear. I have not polished it, to retain its original patina.

This heavy metal (pewter or brass?) tray was made in Japan in the early 1900s.

 

(Photo of the monument not included) The history of the monument is that it was erected to commemorate the Iowans who fought during the Civil War. The monument was approved in 1888, the cornerstone was laid in 1894, and the structure was completed two years later (in 1896). Because a controversy developed over the location and artistic details of the monument, nearly 50 years passed before its dedication in 1945.

“Victory” is the most prominent figure, topping the 135-foot structure. Four equestrians of Iowa Civil War generals are depicted: Marcellus M. Crocker; Grenville M. Dodge; Samuel R. Curtis; and John M. Corse – one on each side.

The four soldiers depicted on the upper base represent Iowans who served in different branches of the military during the Civil War include: Infantryman Shelby Norman; Ensign William H.C. Michael; Artilleryman Captain Henry H. Griffiths; and Cavalrymen Lt. James Horton.

Nearly 80,000 Civil War military men were from Iowa, the largest number of soldiers per capita of any state that participated during the Civil War!

The monument still stands on grounds of the Iowa State Capitol at: 7 County Road R6F, Des Moines, IA.

This would be an ideal addition for any Civil War history buff, Iowa military collector, or anyone interested in history’s collection.