I read with interest in last week's E-Sylum about the search for information about U.S.F Constellation medals possibly produced by Wendell's.

This may be a long shot - but as editor of the San Diego Numismatic Society's Bulletin, last month I performed my monthly "look-back" at activities 50 years ago, 40 years, etc.

The September 1959 Bulletin reported that "Member Bill Fivaz (LTJG, USN) of Coronado has medals that have been struck to raise funds for the restoration of the U.S. Frigate Constellation, oldest ship of the U.S. Navy. These medals were made from copper bars and spikes, stamped 1808 and 1812, which have been removed during the course of repairs.

Bill, being a Navy man himself, has a supply of these medals and he would be very glad to sell you a copy. They are only $1.00 each and may be secured from him at the meetings ... All money raised by the sale of these medals will be used to restore the Constellation, the first ship of the United States Navy."

Bill has since left San Diego moved on to bigger and better things, but perhaps he still has some information on those medals he was promoting.