Plaster medal casts

1851-1900

Plaster, metal, cotton

Overall (a): 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm)
Overall (b): 1 in. (2.5 cm)
Overall (c): 1 7/16 in. (3.7 cm)

Gift of the Naval History Society, 1925

2008.42.398a-c

c: The Military Order of the Dragon medal were issued by the veterans' group composed of the officers of any US military service who served in China during the Boxer Rebellion.

DescriptionThree two-part (obverse and reverse) uniface plaster molds of medals separated by cotton batting in hinged tin box marked "Ogden's Guinea-Gold Cigarettes" with paper label affixed to top, in pencil: "Kennedy Lot 18". Pencil inscriptions on reverse of plaster pieces are partially covered with paper label affixed.
a: Obverse shows sailing ship foundering at sea in foreground with ship on horizon; legend: ADVANCED RESCUE". Reverse legend: "PRESENTED/ BY THE/ BRITISH RESIDENTS/ OF NEW YORK TO/ Wm. J. Kic...r Offrs. Steward [in script]/ IN COMMEMORATION/ OF HIS SERVICES IN THE/ AMERICAN ARCTIC/ EXPEDITION/ SENT BY/ HENRY GRINNELL ESQ./ IN SEARCH OF/ SIR JOHN FRANKLIN/ 1851". Hole punched at top.
b: Obverse shows figure of Neptune in water-borne chariot. Reverse legend: ROANOKE/ MERIT [in Gothic script]/ 1859"; hole punched at top.
c. Obverse shows dragon with head facing forward and coiled body/ Reverse legend in calligraphic script surrounding center blank for inscription: "MILITARY ORDER OF THE DRAGON"/ CHINA 1900"; ornate hanger affixed to top.

Markingsa: obverse in exerg.: "G.H.L."

ClassificationsMEDALS