Large and impressive 22x28x3" deep vintage wooden frame contains hand-painted escutcheon, or a shield shape which forms the main or focal element in an achievement of arms for Civil War Brevet Brigadier General George W. Balloch. Balloch was a member of the 5th New Hampshire Volunteers and the U.S. Volunteers. A detailed record of his service and rise through military rank is recorded on the inverted "Y" portion of escutcheon, noting his role in the defense of Washington DC during the American Civil War as well as participation in the Siege of Yorktown, the Battles of Fair Oaks, Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg and the March to the Sea, Campaign of the Carolinas and others as well as his muster out date and postwar work w/The Freedman's Bureau, a US federal government agency that aided distressed freedmen (freed slaves) during Reconstruction. Topped by large American Bald Eagle gripping "Union" shield and flanked by American flags, escutcheon has Balloch's military rank decorations at top left/right. His military awards/decorations are at bottom third. Below this is "In Memoriam" medal design w/"Garfield Guard Of Honor" name and Sept. 20-22, 1881 date commemorating his participation in the memorial service in Washington for the deceased President Garfield, Balloch died in 1907. Escutcheon has all over even moderate aging and upper left has .5x1.5" piece missing from margin. Some darker aging at upper right. 4" crack along bottom center frame edge w/.5" piece missing. VG overall. These paintings were popular after the Civil War w/officers who wanted to memorialize their service. Amazingly detailed hand-painted testament to this Union officer's military career.