Constituted in the Illinois State Guard as the 1st Battalion of Infantry and organized 14 September 1874 in Chicago from the following companies raised entirely by subscription: A Silver color metal and enamel device 1+1⁄4 inches (3.2 cm) in height consisting of a shield blazoned: Azure, a closet between two wavy barrulets, surmounted by a pairle, Argent; overall the old insignia of the First Regiment of Infantry, Illinois National Guard, (wheel within a diamond) Proper; in chief four fleurs-de-lis, three and one, of the second.

Attached above the shield on a wreath, upon a grassy field the blockhouse of old Fort Dearborn, all Silver Gray.

Attached below and to the sides of the shield a Silver scroll inscribed "DUCIT AMOR PATRIAE" in Blue letters.

Azure, a closet between two wavy barrulets, surmounted by a pairle, Argent; overall the old insignia of the First Regiment of Infantry, Illinois National Guard, (wheel within a diamond) Proper; in chief four fleurs-de-lis, three and one, of the second.

That for the regiments and separate battalions of the Illinois Army National Guard: On a wreath of the colors Argent and Azure, upon a grassy field the blockhouse of old Fort Dearborn Proper.