Details


Early and scarce American veteran’s fraternal organization cap, 40 & 8 Medal and Six American Legion Membership Lapel Pins

Circa 1920s, this Societe Des 40 Homme 8 Chevaux 40/8 Forty & Eight antique enameled medal ribbon pin brooch with Commissaire Intendant, beautiful vintage badge of honor shows a horse in a railroad boxcar. Americans were transported to the battle front on French trains within boxcars stenciled with a “40/8”, denoting its capacity to hold either forty men or eight horses.

 The Forty & Eight was founded in 1920 by American veterans returning from France. Any American honorably discharged or active duty veteran meets eligibility requirements for the 40/8, but membership is by invitation only.

Size shows 6 7/8 - light blue or grey ribbon shows very minor soiling and the enamel is very nice. The piece in the middle shows the word 'Cheminot'
French railwayman ⧫ railroad worker?

Please see photos and email with any questions you may have. Thanks for looking.