History's first "press badge"

History's first "press badge": "

Offered for sale at Heritage Auctions:

Very Rare Civil War Press Badge. The first war in history to be covered extensively by the press, much less to be photographed in detail, the Civil War saw the advent of the issuance of press badges to identify the press corps and to distinguish them from spies or civilians who had no place on the battle lines.

Measuring 1½" across, this five-pointed metal badge is engraved "PRESS" within a floral design. The pin at back is broken and the silver metal somewhat tarnished. This is a rare example of the earliest badges used by the American press.

Via Historical Indulgences.

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