Circa 1897-1898, Rhode Island Militia, and 48 similar items

CIRCA 1897-1898, RHODE ISLAND MILITIA, MARKSMAN MEDAL, RIFLE, NAMED, VINTAGE Rhode Island Militia RIA Marksman ladder badge with Marksman Bars for 1897 and 1898. Pinback. Beautifully hand engraved on reverse: G. O. Everet This cross is suspended from a bronze bar with the word 18-MARKSMAN-97 and a bronze bar with the word 18-MARKSMAN-98. In 1894 the Assistant Inspector of Rifle Practice recommended that ?the marksmen?s and sharpshooters? badges, as issued in 1893, be called in and the official 1894 badge be substituted.? This recommendation was accepted and new badges were adopted. The third design of the marksman?s badge was issued beginning in 1894. It was a simple bronze cross with a 1-1/2 inch bronze top bar suspension that bore the word MARKSMAN or SHARPSHOOTER and the year of qualification. In addition the name and rank of the recipient was engraved on the reverse of the cross. G. O. Everet served in the Rhode Island Militia during the American Civil War. He was a private in Company B, 1st Rhode Island Heavy Artillery. He was born in Providence, Rhode Island in 1842 and died in 1926. He is listed in the book "History of the First Rhode Island Heavy Artillery" as having served in the regiment from 1861 to 1865. Born in Providence, Rhode Island on March 10, 1842. He was the son of George O. Everet and Mary A. Everet. He was a shoemaker by trade. He enlisted in the Rhode Island Militia on April 20, 1861. He was assigned to Company B, 1st Rhode Island Heavy Artillery. He served in the regiment for the duration of the war. He was discharged from the service on June 15, 1865. He died in Providence, Rhode Island on January 15, 1926. The attached photograph is not included and was posted to show the medal being worn during that time period.