Presentation medal

1854

Place madeNew York, New York, United States, North America

Gold; leather, cardboard, velvet, silk

Container: 3/4 × 4 1/2 × 6 in. (1.9 × 11.4 × 15.2 cm)
Part (Medal): 1/8 × 3 1/4 × 4 1/2 in. (0.3 × 8.3 × 11.4 cm)

Gift of Mr. Charles E. Dunlap

1952.89ab

This gold medal was presented by the merchants and citizens of New York to Captain John Gill of the ship Good Intent, for his heroic efforts in saving lives during a shipwreck in 1854. The medal was purchased from Tessiers, Ltd. in London, who advertised it in "Connoisseur" magazine, April 1952 (p. 7).

DescriptionCircular gold medal (a) with loop at top connected to anchor with gold chain; medal with filigree work around perimeter consisting of leaves and acorns; obverse engraved with scroll with detailed inscription; ship at sea to right of scroll and lighthouse and houses to left; obverse decorated with shipwreck scene. Medal in original rectangular leather box (b); bottom has red velvet sink mat conforming to medal hinged top has white silk lining.

Markingsengraved: on obverse, within scroll: "Presented by the/MERCHANTS & CITIZENS/of/NEW YORK,/to/Capt. John Gill,/of the Ship Good Intent,/for his humane and/gallant conduct in/saving the lives of a/number of his/fellow beings exposed to/destruction on the ocean./1854." engraved: on bottom of scroll: "BALL, BLACK & CO. NEW YORK." gold lettering: on inside (top) of case: "BALL BLACK & CO./247 B[ROADWAY?]/NEW YORK."

ClassificationsMEDALS