An Old Badge from the USA
This is a particularly striking example as it has a picture on the back as well as on the front.
On the front one can see the crossed flags of The Salvation Army and the U.S.A. The crest of The Salvation Army is shown below the crossed flags. But the crown on top of the crest was replaced by an American eagle due to copyright issues in the U.S.A.
On the back there is a portrait of William Booth, the founder of The Salvation Army, which is unfortunately already heavily faded. This Badge was made for William Booth's visit to the United States in 1894.
Portrait von General William Booth
The History
William Booth had, after quite some consideration, given permission for Eliza Shirley to preach in the U.S.A. If Shirley was successful, she should name the new mission The Salvation Army.
Eliza Shirley, together with her parents, began the first Corps in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Soon afterwards they were able to open a second Corps.
Eliza now reported to General Booth, and in February 1880, under the direction of George Scott Railton, the work of The Salvation Army in the United States officially began.