SOUTH CAROLINA PALMETTO REGIMENT GOLD MEDAL

Mexican-American War: South Carolina Palmetto Regiment Gold Medal with Ribbon. Gold medal measuring 48.3 mm across, weighing 92.82 grams, awarded to 2nd Lieutenant Lewis F. Robertson. One of sixty-eight gold medals produced and awarded to veterans of the Palmetto Regiment by the grateful citizens of South Carolina in 1850 or, more likely, the senior officers (James Dickinson, Pierce Butler and Adley Gladden). This, we believe, is the eighth example known, and unrecorded. It has never been offered at auction and only recently came to light.

The obverse has the Palmetto Tree, emblematic of South Carolina, a Latin motto which roughly translates to "While I Breathe I Hope My Resources are in Readiness" and "Dickinson Butler Gladden To the South Carolina Palmetto Regiment" inscribed to "Lieut. Lewis F. Robertson". The reverse features a dramatic battle scene in the center and the names of battles the regiment participated in, namely: "Vera Cruz Contreras Churubusco Chapultepec Garita de Belen".

No evidence of wear, beautifully toned with reflective surfaces, a few minute scratches of no consequence whatsoever. Original grosgrain silk ribbon with swivel suspension loop, as issued.

Little is known about Lieutenant Robertson, except that he lived in Charleston and is credited with organizing a "Charleston Company" of volunteers. The Palmetto Regiment was formally organized on June 26, 1846 and consisted of fourteen officers and seventy-two privates. Robertson served in Company F and survived the war. The troops were permitted to carry the Palmetto Flag into battle, as is depicted in sharp detail on the reverse of this medal.

Two examples were included in the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection Part VII, held on January 18, 2005 (awarded to Abner R. Dunham and N. J. Walker), graded as Choice About Uncirculated and Nice Extremely Fine. This may be the finest example extant, with the added bonus of original ribbon and suspension loop. It tests solidly as 22K, but could be 24K. A gorgeous piece!

To read the complete lot description, see:
Mexican-American War: South Carolina Palmetto Regiment Gold Medal with Ribbon.... (https://historical.ha.com/itm/military-and-patriotic/foreign-wars/mexican-american-war-south-carolina-palmetto-regiment-gold-medal-with-ribbon/a/6183-43279.s)

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