All Medals

The medallion's obverse bears sailor in heavy gear at helm of ship. Around, MARINE NATIONAL EXCHANGE BANK OF MILWAUKEE / 100TH ANNIVERSARY; signed to left of sailor, (JFP monogram)

The reverse bears legend within wreath. At top, 1839 - 1939; below, WISCONSIN / MARINE & FIRE / INSURANCE CO. / 1839 / MARINE NATIONAL / BANK / 1900 / BANK / OF / MILWAUKEE / 1855 /  NATIONAL EXCHNQNGE / BANK / 1865 / CONSOLIDATED AS / MARINE NATIONAL / EXCHANGE BANK / of MILWAUKEE / 1930

The Marine National Exchange Bank of Milwaukee was formed in 1930 through the merger of four different companies, the oldest of which traced its roots back to 1839.  While I am totally speculating, I assume that the merger was a necessity rather than a choice. The Great Depression had just started a year earlier and many financial institutions had come under intense pressure to consolidate or go bankrupt. The Marine National Exchange Bank was finally taken over by Bank One in 1988, not quite making it to its 150th anniversary as an independent entity.

The circular medallion measures 82.4mm in diameter and was struck in bronze by the Whitehead & Hoag Company of Newark, New Jersey.

The obverse bears kneeling mother with child cowering before Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse in sky above; serpent-like gas mask at her knee, castle and ancient ruin in background. In exergue, THE OLD WORLD / 1939; in lower field, E. McCARTAN / ©

The reverse bears mother in 1930s dress with book and child, basket of flowers by her knee, skyscrapers left, forst right, under radiant sun. In exergue, THE NEW WORLD / 1939

At the time this medal was being designed the situation on the European continent had deteriorated so much that all-out war seemed likely. America seemed far-removed from the insecurities and problems that the old world was facing. Americans looked over the Atlantic and were very much disinclined to get involved in yet another Great War. As McCartan wrote in his "From the Artist":

"The broad Atlantic Ocean thankfully isolates is from forces which destroy life and liberty and which impede the normal pursuit of happiness."

Of course, it did not turn out quite the way McCartan and many fellow Americans had hoped. America officially entered World War II in 1941 after already having provided substantial material assistance to its European Allies.

This medal was chosen as the 19th issue of the prestigious Society of Medalists series in 1939. It measures 73mm in diameter and was struck by the Medallic Art Company of New York. The reported production quantity of this medal is 943 pieces in bronze and 100 in silver.

References:   MACo 1930-001-019, Marqusee 259, SoM 19

The medal's obverse bears portrait of Benjamin Ourisman facing left. Around, BENJAMIN OURISMAN MEMORIAL CIVIC AWARD; signed on truncation, G. ROBERTS 1957

The reverse bears Star of David at top. Below, PRESENTED TO / (cartouche) / BY THE / JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER / OF WASHINGTON / IN RECOGNITION OF / OUTSTANDING AND MERITORIOUS / SERVICES / (cartouche)

The circular medal measures 75.6mm in diameter and was struck in bronze by the Medallic Art Company of New York. No mintage is reported.

References:   MACo 1957-064

References:   MACo 1912-G1

The uniface medallion bears world map centered on Atlantic ocean. From large number at left, around top, 40 - YEARS OF FRIENDLY RELATIONS; at bottom, (GOODYEAR logo) / WORLD WIDE

This is the 40 year version of Rene Chambellan's Goodyear series of medallions. All of these medallions came mounted to a wooden board to be hung in offices or shops that were selling Goodyear product.

References:   MACo 1948-041-007

The medal's obverse bears view of the Great Pyramid and Mortuary Temple. Signed at right, JUREK

The reverse bears calendar on three panels surrounded by hieroglyphs. On left and right panel, 19 - 98

This was the first installment in a little sub series of calendar medals that depicted the seven Ancient Wonders of the World. According to the pamphlet accompanying the medals, the series was the brainchild of Jurek Jakowicz who also got to sculpt the first medal.

The circular medal measures 75.3mm in diameter and was struck in bronze and silver by the Medallic Art Company of Dayton, Nevada. The origina; purchase price was $34.95 for a bronze and $169 for a silver medal. No mintages are reported.

References:   Cal MA-1998

References:   CoF 9, Marqusee 327

References:   MACo 1958-046-002

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