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to America and I am safe in saying that the American people
have an affection for John Wayne such as they have had for very
few people in the history of America.” (C-D)
1019. VICE ADMIRAL HYMAN GEORGE RICKOVER.
FH 533.
76mm. Bronze. Frank Gasparro (Obv.) & Gilroy Roberts (Rev.),
Sc. Unc. Obv: 3/4 bust of the admiral in full uniform, his name
and rank around. Rx: IN APPRECIATION OF HIS SIGNAL
ACHIEVEMENT IN THE PRACTICAL USE OF ATOMIC ENERGY
around a powerful male figure on bended knee surrounded by
elliptical lines representing electrons in orbit. Below: TO/ VICE
ADMIRAL/ HYMAN GEORGE RICKOVER USN/ BY ACT OF
THE CONGRESS/ UNITED STATES OF AMERICA/ AUGUST 19,
1958. (C)
1020. AVITAL & NATAN SHCHARANSKY CONGRESSIONAL
MEDAL, 1986
76.3mm. Bronze. Gilroy Roberts, Sc. (U.S. Mint)
Uncirculated. Obverse: AVITAL . SHCHARANSKY . NATHAN
(ANATOLY) . ACT OF CONGRESS/ MAY 13, 1986 around
busts of the two Russian honorees. Reverse: FREEDOM OF
THOUGHT, CONSCIENCE, RLIGION… HELSINKI FINAL ACT
around scene of the “wailing Wall” to the right with a six line
inscription of Hebrew, Russian and English “Let My People Go.”
The Congressional gold medal was awarded in recognition of the
“supreme dedication and total commitment” of Natan (Anatoly) and
Avital Shcharansky “to the cause of individual human rights and
freedoms.” (C)
COMMEMORATIVE MEDALS
1021. GRANT MEDALET.
CM-18. 25.4mm. (The 21mm size given by
Julian is in error.) Copper. George Morgan, Sc. Choice mostly red
Unc. Obverse bust of Grant to the left, ULYSSES S. GRANT to
either side. The reverse bears the arms of Philadelphia at center
surrounded by a two line legend: STRUCK AND DISTRIBUTED
IN THE MUNICIPAL PARADE/ BY THE EMPLOYES (sic) OF
THE U.S. MINT. DEC. 16, 1879. (C)
1022. ANOTHER,
of the same. Also a nice mostly red Unc. (C)
1023. OPENING OF THE PHILADELPHIA COMMERCIAL MUSEUM,
1897.
Unlisted in HK. 34mm. Silver. XF/AU. The obverse
inscription: THE PHILADELPHIA MUSEUMS FOUNDED 1894
is around the arms of the City of Philadelphia. 6 line reverse
inscription: TO COMMEMORATE/ THE INTERNATIONAL/
OPENING OF THE/ PHILADELPHIA/ COMMERCIAL/ JUNE
1897.
In the October 1985 TAMS Journal, there is a fine article on this
little known medal by Stewart Witham. The Commercial Museum
is now part of the vital Trade and Convention Center. Julian
cites a mintage of 500 pieces, of which only three were known to
Witham - two of them in museums. (E-F)
AGRICULTURAL, MECHANICAL
SCIENTIFIC & PROFESSIONAL MEDALS
1024. AGRICULTURAL AND INDUSTRIAL SOCIETY OF DELAWARE
COUNTY, PA., 1879.
AM-15. 38.3mm. Silver. 30.8 grams. Ascribed
by Julian to George Morgan, but unsigned. Very Fine with surfaces
consistent with that grade. Obverse: THE AGRICULTURAL AND
INDUSTRIAL SOCIETY OF DELAWARE COUNTY PA on a raised
band around female figure seated on an anvil holding a wreath in
her outstretched hand. Farm scene in the background. In exergue:
INCORPORATED/ 1878. Reverse: Large sailing ship & lighthouse
at top. Below, AWARDED TO/ (engraved) C.F.W. PETERSON/
FOR/ (engraved) CUT FLOWERS/ 1879. An early medal issued
just a year after the incorporation of the society. (E)
RELIGIOUS AND FRATERNAL
1025. PHILADELPHIA COMMANDERIES.
RF-9. 30.3mm. Gilt Bronze.
Lightly toned Unc. Unholed. Obv: Standing figure of a pilgrim with
staff in right hand at center surrounded by a two line legend:
PHILADELPHIA ST. JOHN’S KADOSH ST ALBAN CORINTHIAN
AND KENSINGTON COMMANDERIES TEMPLAR/ PHILA.
PA. Rx: PILGRAMMAGE (sic) OF SAN FRANCISCO CLUB
TO TRIENNIAL CONCLAVE 1883 around a Maltese cross over
which is superimposed a crown through which is tilted a cross.
(D)
SCHOOL MEDALS
1026. LARGE SIZE JESSE KETCHUM MEDAL.
SC-15.(Large letters
with signed obverse.) 49mm. Silver. (1.54 Oz.) W&C Barber,
Sc. PL AU. Obv: THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF BUFFALO N.Y.
JESSE KETCHUM 1782-1867. Rx: SAPIENS ERIT SAPIENTIOR
above a seated female figure pouring fluid into the lighted lamp
of learning. Incused “261.” in exergue. (E-F)
LIFE SAVING MEDALS
1027. UNLISTED TREASURY DEPARTMENT FIRST CLASS LIFE
SAVING MEDAL
51mm. Golden Bronze. Unc. Unsigned, but
from a design by Anthony Paquet. The obverse legend: UNITED
STATES OF AMERICA ACT OF CONGRESS JUNE 20, 1874,
surrounds a scene of three men in a lifeboat rescuing a sailor.
The reverse legend: IN TESTIMONY OF HEROIC DEEDS IN
SAVING LIFE FROM THE PERILS OF THE SEA, surrounds a
figure a Fame preparing to inscribe a monument surmounted
by an eagle. To the right are various nautical implements.
The monument bears the incused inscription; TO/ RASMUS
S. MIDGETT/ FOR/ RESCUING/ SINGLE HANDED TEN/ MEN
FROM THE WRECK/ PRISCILLA./ AUGUST 18, 1899.
This medal bears the same obverse and reverse designs as
appear on LS-9 except for the Midgett award inscription which
appears on this medal. This medal also differs from LS-9 in size;
being 51mm as opposed to 44mm. Little is known about this
piece. It is obviously a 20
th
century US Mint restrike, but is unlisted
in Failor-Hayden. We have been unable to determine when and
for how long the medal was issued and the circumstances of its
distribution. (D)
Lot 1027 (reduced)
Lot 1024