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V15 2012 INDEX E-SYLUM ARCHIVE

The E-Sylum: Volume 15, Number 28, July 1, 2012, Article 14

David Alexander submitted this information related to the topic of Harry Waterson's new book. Thanks! -Editor

Regarding the Medal of the Month article, I have the following pieces. The Buranelli-Burnelli nomenclature remains a mystery to me. Burnelli, as I recall, was designer of the innovative Flying Wing aircraft that resembled a gigantic boomerang without the ordinary cigar-shaped fuselage. The meeting report of the New York Numismatic Club is also unusual as NYNC rules have stringently forbidden any hint of commercialism since 1908... here the non-profit angle came into the picture. Anyway, here are the descriptions of observed pieces that I gather are the "Children's size":

Bronze, 31.4 to 32.1mm; with and without loops. Uniform general style pieces struck by Medallic Art Co. ca. 1940-1950. Tan-gold-red patinas. The Numismatist, September 1941, Club Reports, New York Numismatic Club:

(392nd meeting, President Otto T. Sghia in chair) The President called on Miss Felicity Buranelli [error for Burnelli, see Burnelli Medal below], who was a guest of the club, and Miss Buranelli talked on the topic "The Medal of the Month Club." She exhibited the first three medals issued by this club and informed our members that her work was purely educational. The reason for the Medal of the Month Club is: First to plant the seed of true Americanism in the heart of every child; second, to teach tolerance and understanding and work for the best possible kind of citizenship; third to encourage talent in the young by making medal awards and by offering scholarships.

The first series of medals are (sic) on aviation. The subscription rate for the complete series, including pamphlets, patented medal holder to frame the collection and the set of medals is $4 per year, plus the postage for the collector's medals, and $2 per year, plus 50 c. postage, for the children's medals, these medals being size 1 1/4 inches, The sculptors of the medals are the most famous artists in this country, and the medal itself is struck by the Medallic Art Company. It was the opinion of the club members that this is a very worthy organization, and quite a number of those present subscribed to the series.

Brig. Gen. William Lendrum Mitchell Medal, 1951. Bronze, 32mm. By Carl L. Schmitz, sc. Obv Bust 3/4 l. of "Billy" Mitchell in 1930's uniform of U.S. Army Air Corps with standing collar, French Legion d'Honneur at neck. Rev BORN 12.29.1879/ IN NICE, FRANCE/ PIONEER CRUSADER FOR/ AIR POWER/ DEVOTED HIS MILITARY CAREER/ TO ALERTING OUR NATION TO/ THE NECESSITY FOR ADVANCEMENT/ OF AERONAUTICS FOR NATIONAL. DEFENSE AND AIR TRANSPORT/ FOR COMMERCE/ DIED 2.19.1936. © square encl MEDAL OF/ THE MONTH/ CLUB. Uncirculated. ($40-50)

Brig. Gen. William Lendrum Mitchell Medal, 1951. Bronze, 32mm, affixed loop. By Carl L. Schmitz, sc. Obv As last. Rev Raised-letter MEDAL OF THE MONTH FOUNDATION along lower rim, rest blank. Unc. ($25-35)

Brig. Gen. Frank P. Lahm Medal, Ca. 1951. Bronze, 31.5mm, affixed loop. By Carl L. Schmitz, sc. Obv Bust 3/4 l. in U.S. Army Air Corps uniform tall-letter name and titles. Rev. Types as above. Uncirculated. ($25-40)

Vincent J. Burnelli Medal, 1965. Bronze, 32.2mm, affixed loop. By Edmondo Quattrocchi, sc. Obv Aviation designer's bust facing. Rev Flying Wing, designing history and vital dates, Medal of the Month Foundation along lower rim. Uncirculated. ($40-60)