Adam Pietz descriptions of medal die making
RogerB
Posts: 8,852 ✭✭✭✭✭
The following letter will be of interest to collectors of medals as well as general die cutting techniques in the 1930-40s. See the following thread about Pietz' medals: https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/1017150/advanced-adam-pietz-so-called-dollar-collection-sold
This and many other interesting materials about the US Mints will be included in a book I an working on for publication sometime before the end of the year.
U.S. Mint, Philadelphia
September 7, 1943
Dear Mrs. Wilkins:
Thank you very much for the many kind things you said about my little medallions.
Each one of these pieces was produced by an individual treatment.
Let us take the Anna May Wong; in this case I made a 12-inch model from life in two, one-hour sittings; from this model a negative and positive plaster casting was made, from which a copper Galvano was made, and this acted as a guide to reproduce on the Engraving machine for the die.
Now the Lincoln was carved in relief in steel, called a hub, and this entire steel hub was carved with a flexible arm, same as you Dentist uses for filling teeth, no graver used, only on the lettering.
From this hub my die was sunk and the medals struck.
The Audubon Turkey is a direct carving in negative or steel die, there the process is the ancient method, using chisel and hammer to get the rough cut in relief, or really intaglio, the finish is produced by using many sizes of gravers, and special punches for the feathers, etc.
My many years of training in sculpture and in Die Engraving makes it possible to produce any desired effect, and I hope someday you will grant me the priviledge [sic] to add your likeness to my large collection of famous people.
In 1932 I had the pleasure of modeling from life 12 movie stars, and that was an experience which taught me many things.
As time goes on I shall add some other work to your collection.
With kindest regards.
/s/ Adam Pietz
[Wyoming State Archives, 1-1-8 1-1 Edna Kimball Wilkins papers, box 9, Medals 1942-1946.]
Lincoln plaque mentioned in letter. [Photo copyright WorthPoint]
Comments
@RogerB.... Thanks for the link, letter and likeness....Cheers, RickO
Wondering who the 12 were. A bit of digging and maybe:
Anna May Wong
Jean Harlow
George Brent
Fatty Arbuckle
Dorothy Jordan
Bette Davis
Loretta Young
Joe E. Brown
Jean Arthur.
https://www.pcgs.com/books/commemoratives/appendixi/15
Possibly,
Clark Gable
Greta Garbo
https://www.coinbooks.org/v21/esylum_v21n11a15.html
Here's a Jean Harlow medal.
