National Guard Rifle Practice Wall Plaque

[Fred Borgmann]

I would like to know more about this one. It is a shield shaped wood base on which is a silver or sliver plated shield with crossed rifles at 

the top. The inscription reads "National Trophy/ Presented by the United States / to the organization of the /Organized Militia, State of / Wisconsin / attaining the greatest proficiency / in / Rifle Practice".  Based on this text I would assume that one of these was given to a militia or national guard unit in every state.  There is another one awarded to a Minnesota unit illustrated on the web site of a museum.  this leaves me with a few questions: What years were these issued? How many were issued per state and what is the difference, if any, between the militia and the national guard? Thanks, Fred