This item is part of Prestige & Distinction, Auction III: An International Selection of Orders, Decorations & Awards . Click Here to view all items in this collection.
In solid silver, a first size medal, obverse presenting a high relief right facing bust of James Buchanan, surrounded by the inscription JAMES BUCHANAN, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES and dated 1857 at 6 o'clock, the reverse center presents a scene of a horse pulling a plow with figures playing baseball, a house and church in the background, around the outside presents two Native figures engaging in a violent act, with a quiver of arrows below on the left side, and a bow covering a pipe on the right, with a Native face at 6 o'clock, the medal is pierced at 12 o'clock for suspension as issued, measures 75.6mm (w) x 75.6mm (h), weighs 179.7 grams, notable contact marks and edge knocks on obverse, reverse and rim, wear typical to these medals, lovely patina, an extremely rare medal in very fine condition.
Footnote: Salathiel Ellis and Joseph Wilson designed and created the Buchanan medal. This medal was only awarded during the administration of Buchanan and Abraham Lincoln. It is known for having the first illustration of a baseball game in medallic form. This was used to depict the ways of Euro-American settlers as both productive and enjoyable in stark contrast to Native life.