It's spring in South Florida, and the last scheduled three-day show was held last month in Palm Beach. Jeff shared a table with another dealer, while Mutt rode with him the first day it was open to the public to see what he could find. Many tables were empty, so we do not know if it was a good show. The auction we heard was very successful.
Mutts walked around all morning and found very few items for his collection, as; there were only a scattering of foreign dealers. He did purchase a bronze medal produced by Medallic Art Co. N. Y. Later he found out it was one of a series of four medals commemorating the Centennial of the Statue of Liberty 1865 - 1965. The reverse carries the inscription – American Museum of Immigration - Give me your huddled masses. Size 38mm.
Mutt and Jeff regularly attend the local club meetings. At a recent club auction a small lot of medals was not selling, so Mutt offered $1.00 and to his surprise he won the lot. The half a dozen small medals were not in very good condition, thus the "no interest" in this lot. Later at home, Mutt realized, that one item was of particular interest - this small bronze medal, may have been gold plated. Around a left facing portrait of President Wilson is the inscription UPHOLD PRESIDENT WILSON. The reverse has the following inscription – I / HAVE GIVEN / $1.00 / TO THE PENNSYLVANIA / DEMOCRAT CAMPAIGN FUND / -.- / FOR UNITED STATES SENATOR / A. MITCHELL PALMER / FOR GOVERNOR / VINCE C. McCORMICK / 1914. Size 32mm. A story on the Internet indicates that McCormick lost the election.
Just last week, Mutt went alone to another flea market, where he found another large medal produced by Medallic Art Co. N.Y. The obverse has three profiles of; Eisenhower, Alexander and Koenig 1939 - 1945, with an inscription around above – These were honored in their generation and were the glory of their time. The reverse has the ETO patch and the symbol of the UJA (United Jewish Appeal). The inscription aroud - TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY V-E DAY. A search of the Internet disclosed that a special copy of this medal was presented to Senator Javits - In black leather case, Gold stamp on top: "Senator Jacob K. Javits" . 3" diameter medal. Sterling silver, 1965 December 11. Sculptor - Carl Paul Jennewein.
The last two items acquired by Mutt at the club meeting were unknown to him, but familiar to other members. A 1984 medal with a huey helicopter and U.S. combat troops engaged in an assault operation. The helicopter and troops are superimposed over a map of Vietnam. The inscription - VIETNAM VETERANS NATIONAL MEDAL. The reverse – IN HONOR / OF THOSE MEN AND WOMEN / WHO GAVE OF THEMSELVES IN / AN EFFORT TO ENSURE / DEMOCRACY AND PEACE / THROUGHOUT THE WORLD THIS / MEDAL IS STRUCK / BY ACT OF CONGRESS / 1984 - The Capital and Flags, below. The 1½" medal is still available from the U.S. Mint, but the 3" medal is no longer available, except on e-Bay.
Another item Mutt aquired -
The last medal of interest to Mutt was offered as part of an accumulation lot at the club auction. A friend of Mutt, bid until he won the lot, and presented the Mayflower medal to Mutt. It was produced by the Royal Mint London to commemorate the 350th Anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower from Plymouth 1620 - 1970. Mutt has a special interest in this one as some of his relatives crossed over in the Mayflower.
SATRICAL PAPER MONEY
ONE EZEEMUNNY CERTIFICATE ONE, IOU in four corners / THIS CERTIFIES THAT THERE IS ON DEPOSIT IN THE POT AT THE END OF THE RAINBOW/ 20 WOODEN NICKELS / E PLURIBUS KIDDEM / 30 THURSDAY around above Rainbow and image of Santa Clause, Money Tree and Pot of Gold / This certificate / is illegal tender / for private debt, over large 1, L. If you will put 104 / coppers in my pot / I will exchange this / for one real buck R. Signatures L. Pass De Buck / Controller R. Ham N. Eggs / Treasurer / ONE ONE THURSDAY BUCK ONE
Color: black with Rainbow, Santa Clause, Money Tree and Pot of Gold in colors, on tan paper.
THE STATE OF CONFUSION, IOU in four corners, large ONE in center, STATE TREASERY / STATE EMPLOYEES / COUNTY TREASURER / COUNTY EMPLOYEES / CITY TREASURER / CITY EMPLOYEES L.
PUBLIC OWNED / UTILITIES / BAY BRIDGE / SCHOOL TEACHERS / SCHOOL DISTRICTS / YOU - ME / EVERYONE ELSE R. / SCRAMBLED EGGS FOR CALIFORNIA / ONE THURSDAY BUCK
COLOR: orange on tan paper.
The note is not dated, (c. 1938) refers to The Ham and Eggs Fire, Bay bridges and California = San Francisco and against money-spending California politicians.
Size: 55 mm x 147 mm
