MCA Advisory, May 2005

2005·0.62 MB·English

by  Medal Collectors of America

The Newsletter of Medal Collectors of America
Volume 8 Number 5 May
2005
Board Members
John W. Adams, President From the Editor 2
John Kraljevich, Vice President
Barry D. Tayman, Secretary & Treasurer
My Favorite Medal (John Adams)
David T. Alexander
Robert F. Fritsch 2
David Menchell
Scott Miller
My Favorite Medal (Ben Weiss)
John Sallay
Donald Scarinci 3
John W. Adams, Editor
Hints for Cataloging Medals and
99 High Street, 11th floor
Boston, MA 02110 Medallic Items (D. Wayne Johnson)
[email protected] 5
Barry Tayman, Secretary & Treasurer
5424 Smooth Meadow Way The Society of Medallists (2nd
Columbia, MD 21044 Installment)
Btayman@comcast,net (by David Alexander) 10
David Boitnott, Webmaster
[email protected] Striking similarities (David Alexander)21
website: medalcollectors.org
Editor of Collectors’ Guide, Dick Johnson
([email protected])
Important Dates
What’s New On Our Website!
June 11th - Kolbe’s Sale of Ford Library II
CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE EVERY MONTH July 28th, 3:00 p.m.. Membership Meeting at
ANA Convention
www.medalcollectors.org
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From the Editor Muller, a Dutch silversmith. The devices
are straightforward: the obverse features
We hope to see many of you at the a rendering of the castle at Breda; the
ANA Convention in San Francisco. Our reverse depicts a ship with billowing
Club’s meeting will be held on Thursday, sails on which are the arms of the
July 28th, at 3:00 p.m. John Kraljevich is participants to the treaty.
working on a program; perhaps we can Typically, as in the present case,
arrange an informal dinner that evening Muller’s designs are commonplace. What
where we can plot our future under the distinguishes his work is the
most conducive conditions. craftsmanship. Medallic Illustrations
This issue contains two—count lists eleven medals by him, nine that are
‘em two—articles on medals by O. “signed” and two that are probable. All
Wouter Muller. The creations of this eleven consist of two plates joined by a
talented Dutch silversmith are band that protects the high relief. The
interesting for his technique as well as plates are large—3 to 3 ¾ inches in
for the historic content. Also in this diameter—and the band is broad—4 to 5
issue is installment #2 of David millimeters in width.
Alexander’s opus on SOM medals; we Medallic Illustrations describes
will complete with installment #3 in the Muller’s technique as “two embossed
June issue and, if there is demand will plates, chased.” Pax in Numis uses the
produce an off-print of the whole thing. phrase “travaillée au repousé.” Pax
If you like the idea of an offprint, either declares the Breda medal to be
on Alexander’s SOM medals or David “superbe,” no doubt referring to the
Menchell’s French and Indian War craftsmanship that is indeed impressive.
medals, drop us a line. Whether the plates were cast, then
chased or whether the features were
My Favorite Medal brought up entirely by repoussé, the
relief is high. The details are many and
by John W. Adams ([email protected])
well executed, including a motto around
Throughout the 17th and 18th the periphery on both sides that is evenly
centuries, the various European nations incused. Given the immense amount of
waged wars and then concluded peace labor required to produce examples by
treaties. These treaties typically these techniques, all of Muller’s medals
included the swapping of territories on are rare. Indeed most are rated “very
the continent and, as often as not, the rare” or “extremely rare’ by the
exchanging of possessions in the New understated prose in Medallic
World. In 1667, Britain, Holland and Illustrations.
Spain gathered at Breda, where they Occasionally, Muller put his
included a treaty that, amongst many hallmark (two castles) on the band of the
other provisions, called for the Dutch to medal. However, his typical signature
cede their colony in New York to the was to place his name in the motto—e.g.
English. “Old Breda’s castle, by the ingenuity and
A dozen different medals were art of Muller” or “by his art Muller
struck commemorating this occasion. My crowns the best of heroes” (M1 515/160).
favorite is the piece executed by Wouter
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This form of trademark lacks modesty, political destiny, both being commoners who
perhaps, but, with Wouter Muller, the rose to the highest positions in their respective
lack of modesty is justified by the quality countries at approximately the same time
of his creations. period in history, but who also apparently
shared a somewhat similar physiognomy, as the
medal clearly shows.
My Favorite Medal
by Ben Weiss
(Weiss, B.: www.historicalartmedals.com)
OLIVER CROMWELL AND
MASANIELLO
by
Ben Weiss
I chose this particular piece, Oliver Cromwell
and Masaniello, as one of my favorite medals
because it combines wonderful art with
important and interesting historical events. The
medal is beautifully executed by the Dutch
silversmith and medallist O. (Wouter) Müller,
who worked between 1653 and 1688.
Bolzenthal calls him Ader Meister Müller@

and praises the excellence of the execution of Obverse:
his medals (Forrer). OLIVER CROMWELL
This rare medal was made in 1658 of two
embossed silver plates, 70 mm in diameter, in
high relief, chased and united by a broad rim.
The inscriptions are incuse. It depicts on the
obverse a bust of Oliver Cromwell between two
soldiers supporting a laurel wreath over his
head. On a cartouche below is inscribed:
OLIVER CROMWEL PROTECTOR V.
ENGEL: SCHOTL: YRLAN 1658 (Oliver
Cromwell, Protector of England, Scotland and
Ireland 1658). On the reverse is a bust of
Tommaso Aniello (Masaniello) between two
sailors supporting a crown over his head. A
cartouche below is inscribed:
Reverse:
MASANIELLO VISSCHER EN CONINCK
TOMMASO MASANIELLO
V. NAPELS 1647 (Masaniello Fisherman and
King of Naples 1647).
Tommaso Aniello, called Masaniello
(1620?-1647), was a fisherman, turned
The medal offers further interest in that the two
Neapolitan revolutionist, who in 1647 led a
personages depicted, Oliver Cromwell and
revolt of the lower classes against the Spanish
Tommaso Aniello, not only shared a common
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rulers of Naples and the Neapolitan nobility army led by Sir Thomas Fairfax and Oliver
whom the Spanish administration had relied on Cromwell, Charles surrendered and was taken
to maintain order. The causes of the popular prisoner. In 1649 Charles was tried for treason
revolt were the imposition of burdensome high and was beheaded as a tyrant and public enemy
taxes, dissatisfaction with the rule of to his people.
landowning barons, and the failure of the
government to maintain justice. The rebels Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658) was born into a
took up arms, turned upon tax collectors and landed, though by no means very wealthy,
nobles, and besieged the Spanish garrison. family. In 1628 he entered parliament, and
This caused the Spanish viceroy to come to although he initially supported a settlement
terms with Masaniello, promising the reforms with Charles I in parliament’s disputes with the
demanded and recognizing him as captain king, this settlement required the crown to
general. However, Masaniello was killed accept Cromwell's political allies as the king's
shortly afterward, allegedly poisoned by the ministers and to guarantee religious liberty to
Governor d'Arcos when at his palace. Protestants. This brought Cromwell into
Nevertheless, the rebellion continued to the conflict with those who wanted a more
countryside and the rebels proclaimed a democratic form of government and with those
republic. This commoner-inspired republic who advocated replacing the old Church of
was short lived, lasting only a few months, as England with a new Presbyterian church based
hopes on the French coming to the aid of the on the teachings of John Calvin. Because of the
Neapolitans did not materialize. The nobles in duplicity of the king, however, Cromwell
the countryside raised a force and blockaded began to support actions against Charles. As an
the city, leading to a restoration of the Spanish outstanding military leader, he led the Civil
garrison and the reestablishment of Spanish War between the Commoners in parliament
rule with the nobles restoring control over the against the Royalists, a war culminating in a
Neapolitan populace. parliamentary victory for Oliver Cromwell and
to the beheading of Charles I in 1649. Charles I
The reverse of this medal compares was succeeded on the throne by his eldest
Masaniello's revolt with that of Oliver surviving son Charles II, but like his father,
Cromwell's in England. Like that in Naples, Charles II was roundly defeated militarily and
the English commoners and their was forced into exile.
representatives in parliament grew tired of the
excesses of the nobility, in this case the rule of In 1653 a Protectorate was established, with
Charles I. Oliver Cromwell given the title of Lord
Protector of England, Scotland and Ireland in
Charles I (1600-1649) was King of England, the newly formed Commonwealth, thereby
Scotland, and Ireland from 1625 to 1649. becoming the first commoner to rule England.
During his tenure, Charles had serious Like many rulers who achieve great power,
disagreements with parliament over religious, Cromwell became a virtual military dictator,
political and financial matters, ultimately although he resisted the temptation to take the
leading to their imposing several conditions title of King. He was rather inept politically,
and grievances against the king. Charles and with the Dutch Wars and the war against
refused to relinquish control of the army, and Spain financially weakening the government,
his attempt to arrest leading opponents in the parliament became increasingly disillusioned
Commons precipitated the English Civil War. with the Commonwealth.
After suffering a succession of defeats by the
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Cromwell’s most notable achievement was his
championing for unprecedented religious References:
freedom. This religious freedom should be
viewed as relative, however, because while Eimer, C.: British Commemorative Medals and
Quakers, Catholics and Jews were now allowed their values. B. A. Seaby Ltd., London, p. 47
to worship as they wished, they were still #198, 1987.
subject to regulation, and worship had to be
done privately. Further, there was still a Forrer, L.: Biographical Dictionary of
recognized State Church under Cromwell. Medallists-. Original Edition published in
Despite these religious restrictions, Cromwell's London (1902-1930). Reprinted by Spinks
edicts were enlightened for the period. It was (1965) and by Franklin, New York (1970).
only during this brief from 1649 to1660 that Third reprint and revised Volume I published
membership in the State Church of England by A. H. Baldwin and Sons and A. G. van der
was not a qualification for entry into Dussen printed by Cultura Press, Belgium. Vol.
universities, the professions and public office. IV, p.194, 1980.
(Although since 1660, anti-discriminatory laws
were enacted from time to time, Jews still Hawkins, E., Franks, A.W., and Grueber H. A.:
weren't permitted to enter the British Medallic Illustrations of the History of Great
Parliament until the late nineteenth century). Britain and Ireland to the Death of George II,
Spink and Son, Ltd., Eng., Vol. I, p. 432 #78
Oliver Cromwell died in 1658. His son l969.
Richard Cromwell succeeded him briefly as
Lord Protector of England, but in 1660 Jones, M.: The Art of the Medal, British
parliament invited the exiled Charles II back to Museum Publications Ltd., London, p.51 #110,
the throne, ushering in the Restoration and, 1979.
thereby, ending the period in which a
commoner ruled England. Weiss, B.: www.historicalartmedals.com
e-mail: [email protected]
Cromwell’s efforts may not have been totally in
vain, however, as Charles II, perhaps in
Hints For Cataloging Medals and
response to the expansion of religious tolerance

initiated by Oliver Cromwell, issued the Medallic Items
Copyright © 2005
Declaration of Indulgence in 1672, expanding By D. Wayne Johnson ([email protected])
religious freedoms for Catholics.
Use a checklist for cataloging
The rise to power of commoners over the medals or medallic items. Devise your
nobility and the advancement of religious own to make certain you include every
freedoms initiated during the historical period datum about every item you catalog.
represented by this medal make this one of my Here is a 19-point checklist I use in
favorites. Sadly, even though centuries have
cataloging Tiffany medals:
passed since these times, it is obvious that
MEDAL CATALOGING
much has yet to done in both regards: one, to
reduce the influence of the powerful over the
C H E C K L I S T
weak, and the other, to spread more tolerance
1) Working catalog number
among peoples of different beliefs.
(subject to change).
2) Name and date in boldface.
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3) Size (and shape if not round). monumental catalog of U.S. Mint medals
4) Composition (and weight if but they were cataloging only in one
precious metal). topic. However I am taking the big
5) Artists: designer, engraver, picture approach with identifying every
sculptor (specify which). medal in the world and trying to make
6) Obverse description. sense with one rule -- name the item --
7) Reverse description. that would work for all. This is necessary
8) Signed (how, where). where you have to include medals from
9) Edge. many sources or many catalogs (like for
10) Issuer. my directory of American artists’ works).
11) Comments. There may be some duplication of names
12) Portrait(s), biographies. for similar items (but there are ways of
13) Patina. getting around this).
14) Mounting. 4. After the name of the medallic
15) Public collections. item, add comma and the date of the
16) Exhibited. medal. Be careful, "founding dates"
17) References. appear on some medals and these may
18) Auction records. not be the year in which the item was
19) Author’s collection. created or issued (or for which it was
intended). If you cannot pin down an
2. Set your computer for 12-point
exact year use “circa”–pick a year or
type. Write in standard paragraphs --
decade in which you surmise it might
this gives you great flexibility and
have been issued. Put circa and this
unlimited text capacity. Start a new
year(s) within parentheses. If all else
paragraph for each of the checklist items
fails use one of the 20-quarter centuries
(except I put 3 and 4 on the same line).
in the last 500 years in which medallic
Put that first word in boldface type at
items have been created.
the beginning of the paragraph.
5. Like the last name of a person,
3. Medals have names. Use
put the last word in the name the type
names rather than titles. Catalogers
of medallic item it is.
of the past had a tendency to use a title
Most of your items will be
perhaps as a shortcut for a medal rather
"Medals." But there are a couple dozen
than its name. Resist this temptation.
kinds of medallic items--medals,
You are more known by your name than
medallions, medalets, plaques,
your title (occupation title or mister or
plaquettes, badges, emblems, pins,
military rank is a title). Your name is far
reliefs, ingots, paperweights, watchfobs
more specific. It pinpoints you. The same
and more.) One of these is the medallic
is true for medals. It is not difficult to
item’s last name.
give every one of the items in your
6. Medals versus medallions.
catalog its proper name.
The cutoff is 80mm (3 1/8-inch).
For example: Use "Lexington
Medallions have a diameter greater than
Battle Centennial Medal" as the name
80mm. Medals are from 80 to 25mm.
for the HK medal (not its title "Lexington
Medalets are smaller than one inch
Centennial"). I know, this is what Hibler
(24.4mm). The cutoff between plaques
& Kappen did, and so did Julian in his
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and plaquettes is 8 inches -- 23.0cm. your catalog. Never put the illustration
[Any relief item larger than 24-inch is a after the description (like in Walter
tablet. Tablets are not easily collected, Breen’s Encyclopedia of Colonial and
obviously!] United States Coins) – that was a
7. Shape and size. If it ain’t horrible mistake.
round say so. Describe the shape in 12. Number the medal. Put this
words as best you can. In measuring in boldface. Above the name or on the
medals of odd shape, put these in an same line. It can be in a larger type size
imaginary rectangular box, tight fit. or same size as the name. Future
Then measure the inside of that box (in numismatists will cite this as
other words, top to bottom, side to side). "[cataloger’s last name] numbers" for all
Omit the loop if present. Medallic items the items you list in your catalog. Don’t
are measured height by width. Height use any other name or word ahead of
always comes first. (If you are a your catalog numbers. (In the catalog of
philatelist – they give the width of Goetz medals, the author suggest calling
stamps first – you must break that these "Opus numbers" since this was his
habit!) "magnus opus." This was a mistake.
8. Omit all punctuation in the "Opus" could apply to any extensive
medal’s name. No commas, no quotation catalog of collector items. Seasoned
marks, no semicolons. No italic words. numismatists call Goetz medals by their
Parenthesis and brackets are permitted. "Kienast numbers" named after cataloger
See next item. (Only one exception, in a Gunter W. Kienast)
company name made up of three or more Citing numismatic items by
personal names you must use a comma.) cataloger’s last name and catalog
9. Personal names. Your option: number is an extremely well-established
"Washington (George)" or "George custom for all numismatic literature.
Washington" – personally I prefer the Hey, it’s little recognition for all the work
first style of putting all but the last name you put into compiling and writing the
within parentheses after the last name catalog! You can’t get rich writing a
for quick recognition and ease of numismatic catalog, but you deserve a
alphabetizing a long list of portrait little fame! (Best of all, your name will be
medals by the name of the medal. associated with your catalog numbers
Related family names come together in long after you’re dead – that’s lasting
such an alphabetic list – fame!)
Washington (George) 13. Obverse and reverse
Washington (Martha) descriptions. Use the boldface word at
Washington (William) the beginning of separate paragraphs.
10. Capitalize initial letter in This is one of the most important aspects
every word in the medal name. Okay, of numismatics. You learn by doing.
you don’t have to capitalize articles -- a, Describe every device and element you
the, of, and -- and such. see on every surface of that numismatic
11. Your option. Put the medal specimen. You will have to learn – and
name over or under the illustration. I use – a lot of new words, like truncation,
like under. But be consistent throughout exergue, uniface, listel, fillet, provenance,
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radiate, there are hundreds more. Get a and small caps to record the chronogram.
numismatic dictionary and ask a lot of Copy exact.] Also use a "line break" – the
questions. Many people in the field will diagonal or slash mark ( / ) at the end of
be glad to answer your question "What’s each line if the legend or inscription goes
this called?" I’m writing such a to two or more lines. Or, if the lettering
dictionary. Ask me. continues from the obverse over to the
Describe position by the viewer’s reverse. Put a space before and after the
right and left (this is different from diagonal mark.
Heraldic blassoning -- describing – as in 16. Take measurements in
coats of arms. Positions around the tenths of a millimeter – that’s excellent! I
circumference can be positions of a clock include both mm and inches. Millimeters
face. Careful using "over" which means are very exact. Metric dimensions make
to the top of the design in contrast with Europeans happy; use inches and that
"superimposed" which means one design makes Americans & Brits happy. (I use a
element on top of another "shield special conversion chart I made -- I
superimposed on breast plate." measure in millimeters and look up size
14. The numismatic custom in in inches in my chart and list both.). I
describing items is to start in the call this my "M&M Chart" for
center – with the center device – the Measurements of Medals (in
most important or perhaps strongest MilliMeters) for advancing nuMisMatics
pictorial element and work outwards, by a Modern numismatist writing a
ending in the lettering around the edge. Medal catalog (while eating candy ...
Examine every aspect of that medallic well, I think I have carried this M&M
item and put it in words in the alteration far enough!).
description. 17. Put Edge on a separate line
15. Describing the lettering. and describe. "Plain" means smooth, like
Copy all lettering exact. Old numismatic struck in a collar with no serrations, no
catalogs used to copy the center dots and marks or lettering (you can also have
tiny punch symbols with the same plain edges that are trimmed but that
symbol in printers’ type. We don’t have takes some expertise to identify).
these anymore – so use words. Capitalize Describe everything else – reeding,
all the medal’s lettering in your lettering, hallmark, mintmark, fineness
description like it appears on the mark, other edge lettering or such. One
medallic item. (I only know one medal space medal even included the time on
that used caps and lower case lettering the edge the space capsule landed on the
on the medal -- Paul Manship did this for moon. Interesting facts like this should
effect just to be different! He put caps not be overlooked and definitely be
and small caps on the other side. Smarty included in the edge description.
pants!) 18. Artist. If you can identify the
If your computer can use small artist, designer, engraver, diesinker,
caps for all the lettering on a medallic sculptor, medallist, list this. Include the
item -- that’s great – use small caps. [If artist’s full name. If the artist signed the
your piece has a chronogram in the item state how he signed it and where.
lettering you will HAVE to use both large
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Did the artist use name, initials or 22. Auction sales. List sales by
monogram? auction – auction house, date, lot
19. Notes, comments, other number, price realized.
data should be in one or more 23. Now comes the tabular
paragraphs. This can include such a wide matter. What you have described above
diversity of information. Most important is the TYPE. What you list below are the
is the "collector lore" of interest to VARIETIES. Number each variety based
collectors. What is special about this on your catalog number of the type.
medal? Relic status? (Made of some (Choosing a numbering system is a
special metal.) How made? (Like wooden separate subject. We can discuss this
medals.) Something about the designer further if you wish.)
or engraver. Die varieties? Or die state 24. For each line -- put the
(like a broken letter). Was there an variety number in boldface type at
unusual purpose to this medal? Was it the beginning of the line. Include as
an award medal? This can be most many lined-up columns as you wish. For
anything that adds interest to that the dollar value, I would recommend two
medal. figures – a range. Fine and Extra Fine,
Here’s a good example of "collector or whatever. Let these price columns be
lore"-- sculptor Marcel Jovine designed on the far right. Collectors are
an Apollo-Soyuz medal obverse accustomed to viewing values at the end
inscription in English, reverse in of the line. And, of course, a separate line
Russian – with his initials in English on for each variety. Put the header line in
one side, Russian on the other. Research boldface over the columns and you will
the specimens you are cataloging. Dig use this line over and over.
deep. 25. Now I am going to recommend
Here you can also include a something you will not like. Spell out
history of the piece, or the event the metal alloys and compositions. I
depicted. Or biographies of the people dislike abbreviations, they are difficult to
portrayed on the medallic item. For comprehend (and remember from the
historical or commemorative pieces, you last time anyone uses your catalog). Does
can also include some of the details of "Br" mean bronze or brass? Or bright or
these events. Add as much detail as you brilliant? You eliminate all
wish – it makes owning the piece that misunderstandings and speed up
much more interesting and meaningful. comprehension by spelling out in full
20. List catalog number every composition. Even in the tabular
citations to other numismatic catalogs. columns.
These numbers will differ from yours, of 26. Speaking of abbreviations, I
course, so you will have to include these like to eliminate these in descriptions as
prior references. well. Unless, of course, they actually
21. List your sources. List the appear as lettering on the medallic item.
reference works, periodicals, Then you have to mention what they
manuscripts, personal correspondence, mean. Like translating foreign language
films, whatever, you found which legends. If you have a minister on a
mentions or catalogs this item. medal, spell out "reverend" to eliminate
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confusion with "reverse" – both Most Americans entering the
abbreviated "rev." medal-collecting field today began as coin
27. And speaking of foreign collectors. An understanding the
language lettering, you must translate similarities and differences between
every inscription and legend into coins and medals is vital if new collectors
English. And let’s point out the are to be fully comfortable in the medal
difference between inscription and field.
legend. "Legend" is the lettering The coin collector mindset was
following the perimeter of the item. formed by the realities of coins
"Inscription" is everything else, themselves. In modern times, coins face
horizontal, vertical or wavy. strict limitations. Size, weight, alloy,
28. And speaking of translating relief are rigidly defined by statute, the
learn to recognize symbols and needs of banks and coin-operated
symbolism on medallic items, and machines. Artistic triumph in coin design
explain what they mean. (Isn’t cataloging is still possible, but faces daunting
fun?) challenges to even the most skillful and
29. Portraits. Identify all people determined artists.
portrayed on medallic items. Give their Mintage figures have had critical
full name and dates (you can even add importance, though informed collectors
ascension dates for monarchs). If it is not realize that war, coin melts and shoddy
a person who lived at some time in the record keeping always affect the
history of the world, it is a generic reliability of such figures. The inter-
person. Describe that image as best you connection of grade and price became
can – bearded man, man in a cloak, ever more critical in the coin field since
equestrian man, seated lady, female the 1960’s.
nude, whatever. Nonetheless, coin collectors are
30. Look for whatever makes a comforted by these boundaries, and are
medallic item different from all drawn to series with beginnings and
others, other than its design. This could endings, buttressed by mintage figures
be a different perspective in the design, a and finite limits in time. They are
different artistic style or art movement, a uncomfortable with areas lacking clearly
different border or edge treatment, even demarcated limits. Such closely defined
a different patina. Mention all this for a medal categories as U.S. Presidential
full description. It’s all of interest to the Inaugural Medals, Indian Peace Medals,
collector. and issues of the Society of Medalists
Good Luck Cataloging! naturally appeal to such collectors.
The Society of Medalists Basic medal characteristics such
as relief, patina, varied shapes and sizes
The Art Medal Defined must be understood before recruits from
the world of coins can be at ease in the
(by David T. Alexander)
realm of the medal. Definition of these
Second of three installments of a basics will be instructive to the
truly important opus newcomer, while veteran medal
collectors may look upon it as a review.
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