SOME INTERESTING MEDALS: OCTOBER 9, 2016

BRONZE PRESIDENTIAL PLAQUE

BRONZE PRESIDENTIAL PLAQUE - WASHINGTON THROUGH FDR, 1933. 10 3/4 x 11”. Foundry cast bronze. Unsigned. Uniface. Two applied hangers on reverse. About Uncirculated. Five rows of Presidential busts (7/7/7/6 & 4) beginning with Washington and ending with Franklin D. Roosevelt, the names of each incused below each bust. To either side of the bottom row, a wreath encloses the dates 1789 to left and 1933 to right. Incused in the border at top right Is NEWMAN BROS. INC. CIN.O.

Although unsigned, the portraits are of rather good quality. The busts are in high relief and each is recognizable, even without the identifying name below. Judging from the 1933 date, we suspect that this plaque was made around the time of FDR’s first inauguration. $395.00

Bausch & Lomb Greater Vision Medal

BAUSCH & LOMB GREATER VISION THROUGH OPTICAL SCIENCE MEDAL, (1919). 86mm. 7.8mm thick. Bronze. Charles A. Hafner, Sc. Signed GORHAM CO, at 6:00 on the reverse.) XF/AU, but with a patch of small digs at the center of the reverse. The obverse bears the classic features of a prophet peering into the distance or the future. Below: TO/ GREATER VISION THROUGH/ OPTICAL SCIENCE/ BAUSCH/ & LOMB. Inscribed in tiny letters around the rim is: CONTINUOUS CONTROL OF EVERY PROCESS THROUGH GLASS MAKING AND SCIENTIFIC CONTINUATION TO FINISHED PRODUCT. The reverse bears an eight line inscription in small letters: THIS MEDALLION WAS/ CREATED FOR/ BAUSCH & LOMB OPTICAL CO./ OF ROCHESTER, N.Y. / FRANK SEAMAN INCORPORATED/ MERCHANDISING AND./ ADVERTISING SERVICE/ NEW YORK.

The "Better Vision" slogan had both a literal and figurative significance, It was literally applicable to practically every product of the Bausch & Lomb line, for in the last analysis, there is not a lens or an optical instrument but what contributes to greater vision in one form or another. In designing the medallion, the corporate name was purposely omitted to keep the commercial aspect in the background. What was sought was an idealistic emblem which would symbolize the very spirit of the industry and its service to mankind. The art on the medallion was featured in advertisements which were mostly of an institutional nature.

Charles Hafner, a pupil of James Earle Fraser and Solon Borglum, is not well known as a medalist. His best known medallic work is his 1922 portrait plaque of Theodore Roosevelt, cast by Gorham That piece, as well as this haunting medallion, is evidence of his considerable talent. $250.00

1911 George F. Heath Memorial Medals

A TRIO OF DR. GEORGE F. HEATH MEMORIAL MEDALS 1911. 38.2mm. Bronze. Designed by Farran Zerbe and struck by Whitehead & Hoag. Obverse: * GEORGE FRANCIS HEATH, M.D. FOUNDER. SEPT. 21. 1850 JUNE 16, 1908 on a raised band around a bust of Dr. Heath to the right. The reverse is struck from the die of the 1910 official convention medal – the ANA lamp of knowledge atop a book, DE PROFUNDIS below, encircled by the legend – AMERICAN NUMISMATIC ASSOCIATION * ORGANIZED 1891.

A. THICK PLANCHET. 4.4mm thick. 39.6 grams. Edge: WHITEHEAD- HOAG. Unc. A few minor spots;

B. THIN PLANCHET. 3.1mm thick. 24.4 grams. Plain Edge. Unc,;

C. SAMPLE. 3.1mm. thick. 25.1 grams. Edge marked; SAMPLE

One of the rarest of all ANA medal issues, and one with a very confusing past. At the 1910 ANA Convention in New York City, it was voted to form a committee to look into having a medal struck to commemorate the late ANA founder; the committee was formed and the project moved forward; the announcement of the medal was put out in late 1910 and subsequently in early 1911; the medals were sold by subscription to be struck in Bronze, Silver and Gold, with the subscription book closing January 1911.

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