NO 'S' IN NAME MEDALLIC ART COMPANY AND OTHER TABOOS

Tom Dalrymple gave a satisfactory answer in last week's E-Sylum to a question posed earlier by Dick Hanscom about an Alaskan medal that bore a portrait of John Adams. What connection did Adams have with Alaska?

The answer was little or no connection (despite the fact it sent Anne Bentley searching the Adams papers in her institutions collections).

It appears that the medal is a factory artist's fantasy of the Metal Arts Company of Rochester, New York. That medal, and a companion, bearing the portrait of Washington bore the seals of Hawaii and Alaska on the two medal's reverses. It seems the medals were issued to capitalize on the popularity at the time the two states celebrated their statehood entry.

The designs were similar to two series issued by Medallic Art Company, the two portraits from the Presidential Series, and state seals from the State Series, both issued by Presidential Art Medals, created by sculptor Ralph Joseph Menconi and struck by Medallic Art Company in New York City at the time. The designs were similar but the quality wasn't. Imitation is not always complimentary.

Tom correctly identified the medals were struck by Metal Arts Company and not Medallic Art Company. As spokesman for Medallic Art. I faced that problem of confusion constantly of the similarity of the two firm's names. I created a Fact Sheet I sent to all writers and editors with frequent press releases that mentioned there is no "S" in the name Medallic Art Company.

In addition to the No-S rule I mentioned to use caution with the word UNIQUE as it had a numismatic meaning -- only one made -- but this word is widely used by copywriters particularly when writing advertising copy. I don't remember the other taboos.

On several occasions I have searched my files for a copy of that Fact Sheet List of Taboo Words. No luck. I would give a five dollar bill to the first person who can send me one of those from their files. (Don't laugh. I once paid $18 for a letter I wrote to a collector about a medal he had. The eBay seller wasn't impressed I was buying back my own letter. He cashed my check without comment!)

I was asked to comment about that Adams medal when it surfaced with Dick Hanscom's original inquiry. I am glad I didn't respond. It was unknown to me at that time. I had no knowledge of it.

Thanks, Tom, your reply now makes it clear. Now we all know.

Wayne Homren, Editor

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