Presidential Coin & Antiques, Inc., Auction 86

Miscellaneous Tokens and Medals

However, this rare medal leaves no doubt that the first name of

the firm’s founder was “Christian” not “Charles.” For many

years the firm was the major competitor of S.B. Childs. 1917 was

the last year for which a dated medal with the Hanson signature

is known. The company is still in business and controlled by

members of the Hanson family, but no longer makes medals. (F)

418.

LAFAYETTE MEMORIAL PLAQUE, 1917.

Baxter 246;

Marqusee 248; Fuld LA 1917.2. 51 x 63mm. Bronze. Augustus

Lukeman, after Daniel Chester French, Sc. (MACO). Unc. with

some scattered tarnish on both sides. Obv: A reproduction of

French’s statue, showing Lafayette standing beside his horse

with a Negro groom holding the steed. Rx: MEMORIAL

TO LAFAYETTE/ UNVEILED AT BROOKLYN/ MAY 10,

1917/ BY/ MARECHAL JOFFRE AND M. VIVIANI/ WAR

COMMISSIONERS OF FRANCE/ TO THE/ UNITED

STATES.

The 1919 Numismatist states (p. 133) “A limited number of

copies in bronze were struck and while these last they can

be obtained for five dollars (plus fifteen cents postage) by

addressing The Secretary, The American Numismatic Society,

Broadway at 156th Street, New York. (F-G)

419.

BROWNING SOCIETY OF PHILADELPHIA AWARD

MEDAL, 1918.

67.5mm. Bronze. Unsigned, but MACO records

attribute the work to Katherine M. Cohen. Choice Unc. in original

plush presentation box. Obv: THE BROWNING SOCIETY OF

PHILADELPHIA Around a bust right of Robert Browning. Rx:

Open book with ring at center at top above AWARDED TO/

HELEN H. B. BRODERSEN/ MCMXVIII. Below: Bells and

pomegranates on a branch of leaves.

The Browning Society of Philadelphia was established in 1887

by the New Century Club, one of Philadelphia’s first social clubs

for women. The New Century Club held a class on Browning’s

works, and that class proved so popular with members that it was

separated from the club’s regular activities and made into its own

organization. According to old society yearbooks and member

lists, its membership regularly numbered into the hundreds. It

disbanded somewhere around 1925. A rare medal – the first we

have seen. (F)

420.

WALT WHITMAN MEDALLION, 1919.

Type of Baxter 156

Lot 418

Lot 419 (reduced)

Lot 420 (reduced)