Medals by Organization or Group

The medal's obverse bears portrait of Joseph Pennel, facing right. Around top, JOSEPH · PENNELL; signed and dated at right, SEPTE (JF monogram) MBER / MCMXIX

The reverse bears a coat of arms surrounded by belt with Philadelphia Water Color Club written on it. Around, IOSEPH · PENNELL · MEMORIAL · MEDAL

In the autumn of 1900, a group of dedicated painters founded the Philadelphia Water Color Club to raise the esteem of watercolor in the art world.  At the time, oils and sculpture tended to dominate art exhibitions. Over the decades, the club developed a distinguished collection of works by such greats as Maxfield Parrish, John Singer Sargent, and Pablo Picasso.  In 2000 the club changed its name to "Philadelphia Water Color Society" to reflect its changed nature and scope.

Joseph Pennell was a native Philadelphia artist who created many etchings and posters.  He is probably best-known for having created the poster for the fourth Liberty Loans campaign in 1918.   It shows New York City's harbor under heavy bombardment with the Statue of Liberty partly destroyed.

The circular medal measures 76mm in diameter and was first manufactured by the U.S. Mint. In 1949 it turned the dies over to the Medallic Art Company of New York and later medals were struck there. No mintages are reported.

References:   Baxter 159, MACo 1949-008

References:   MACo 1928-026

The medal's obverse bears muscular nude male figure in dynamic flying pose, cradling globe in sling made from cable loops. Around top edge, SAMVEL FINLEY BREESE MORSE MEDAL; signed below feet at right, (LGF monogram)

The medal's reverse bears sextant over compass rose in center, fleur-de-lis and two shrouded nudes at top. Around, AMERICAN - N - GEOGRAPHICAL · SOCIETY ·

Samuel Finley Breese Morse (1791-1872) was a successful portrait painter before he became world-famous by contributing significantly to the the invention of a single-wire telegraph system. He was the co-inventor of the still used Morse code and spent the second phase of his life in telegraphy-related pursuits. His role as telegraphy's inventor and near-monopolist was challenged several times and while his achievements were never denied, the scope of his patents was eventually limited by the famous O'Reilly v. Morse Supreme Court decision.

The Samuel Finley Breese Morse Medal was established as an award in 1902. The medal is awarded by the American Geographical Society for "achievements and pioneering in geographical research." The AGS itself was founded in 1851 by 31 wealthy New Yorkers in response to the request of Lady Franklin to search for her husband and his voyagers lost in the Polar Franklin Expedition.

The circular medallion measures an impressive 101.6mm in diameter and was struck in bronze by the Medallic Art Company of New York. No mintage is reported.

Many thanks to a collector who wishes to remain anonymous for sending me the images of this beautiful medal.

References:   MACo 1928-021

The medal's obverse bears nude crouching sculptor holding mallet and chisel, seated on rocky outcropping in front of winged steed. Signed at lower right (LGF monogram)

The medal's revese bears flaming torch flanked by two small sea shells at bottom. Around top, NATIONAL SCULPTURE SOCIETY; across, SPECIAL - MEDAL / OF - HONOR

Francis Keally (1889 - 1978) was a New York architect and designer whose major works can be found in the the Public Library in Berlin, Germany, the Brooklyn Public Library, the Oregon State Capitol and the expansion of the Detroit Public Library. In addition to his architectural projects, Keally was an avid supporter of preserving the artistic works of others. He also served as president of the Municipal Art Society, as well as president of the Fine Arts Federation.

The National Sculpture Society only awards its Medal of Honor as the occasion arises.  Notable recipients include Archer Huntington, Daniel Chester French, Joseph Veach Noble, Elliot Offner, Neil Estern, Stanley Bleifeld and James J. Jennewein.  You are certainly in good company if you have received this medal.

The medal measures 101mm in diameter and was struck in gilt bronze by the Medallic Art Company of New York.  No mintage is reported.

Many thanks to Rhode Island Internet Consignment & Antiques for granting me the right to use the images from their auction.

References:   MACo 1929-019

The medal's obverse bears bust of young Curtis Wheeler, facing left. Around top, ★ CURTIS ★ WHEELER ★; around bottom, ★ 1889 - 1927 ★

The medal's reverse bears winged female figure crowning boy with wreath of laurels. Accross, CURTIS ★ WHEELER ★ AWARD ★ ; around bottom, BOYS' ★ CLUB ★ OF ★ NEW ★ YORK ★; signed at right, Maxwell B Starr

Curtis Wheeler was an associate editor for the New York Herald Tribune and served in the National Guard.  During maneuvers on July 6, 1927, his plane's wings collapsed and he and his pilot fell 1,000 feet to their deaths.

The circular medal measures 63.8mm in diameter and was struck in bronze by the Medallic Art Company of New York. No mintage is reported.

References:   MACo 1929-052

The medal's obvese bears a desert scene from a trading caravan with camel at left and group of two Bedouins haggling over a length of cloth; camels in background on sand dune. Signed at bottom right, KILENYI

The obverse bears city with factories in background. In lower half, NATIONAL RETAIL DRY GOODS ASSOCIATION / REPLICA OF MEDALS / AWARDED TO / CARLOS B. CLARK AND LEW HAHN / FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE / TO THE CRAFT / PRESENTED FEBRUARY 7. 1929

Clark and Hahn each received a gold medal that was named to them. Another 18 gold medals were issued over the next 30 years. One gold-plated medal named to Seidel is kjnown to exist. 

Many thanks to Harry Waterson for the detailed information on variants and mintages.

References:   MACo 1929-063

The medal's obverse bears Icarus, depicted in αflight, his body stretching upwards at right, wings extended behind him at left; clouds around. Around lower left, SPIRIT ‧ OF ‧ SAINT ‧ LOUIS; on cloud below wing, Ικαςοs / 1927; signed around lower right, V ‧ S ‧ H ‧ SC

The reverse bears the AMSE symbol of globe on fulcrum in clouds, arm extending from right, holding the lever. Below, empty cartouche and FOR  ‧ MERITORIOUS ‧ SERVICE / IN ‧ THE ‧ ADVANCEMENT / OF ‧ AERONAUTICS / MCMXXIX; all surrounded by  ‧ THE ‧ AMERICAN ‧ SOCIETY ‧ OF ‧ / MECHANICAL ‧ ENGINEERS

This very handsome award medal depicts Icarus in a somewhat unusal fashion.  Usually, he is seen flying horizontally or tumbling from the sky.  This medal, as appropriate for an aeronautics award, focuses on his ascent rather than his tragic descent.

The circular medal measures 69.5mm in diameter and was struck in bronze by the Medallic Art Company of New York City. No mintage is reported but based on its auction appearance, or better, the lack thereof, it is pretty rare. 

References:   MACo 1929-047

The medal's obverse bears Jeanne d'Arc on horseback, holding a flag in one hand.  To left of horse, JEANNE / D'ARC; around, LE LYCEUM SOCIETY DES FEMMES DE FRANCE A NEW YORK

The medal's reverse bears double cross before sun over wreath and three shields bearing the French Republic's RF, sword and crown, and American Stars and Stripes. Around top, DOMREMY ORLEANS ROUEN; under double cross, VIVE LABEUR / (inscribed to MARAIN ABRAMS / - 1932 -); around bottom, MADAME CARLO POLIFEME - NEE WANECQ - PRESIDENTE - FONDATRICE - INC 1909

This medal was also called the "Jeanne d'Arc Medal" or the "Lyceum Prize" and was awarded to "that senior, resident of L'Isle de France, who showed the most helpful, loyal, devoted spirit."

The circular medal measures 67mm in diameter and was struck in gold-plated bronze.