Society of Medalists No. 111.1 --- Bursting The Bounds.
keets
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I have been trying to own an example of this stunning medal for about 8-10 years but have either been an unsuccessful bidder, too late to the table or unwilling to pay a seller's price. That all ended this afternoon in a Stack's/Bowers auction. Below are a few links for those interested in the specifics but I'll give a little condensed version for those not inclined to read them.
The Society of Medalists was formed around 1929-1930 to give recognition to America's sculptors/engravers/medalists and set out to issue two examples every year. The first issue in 1930 was by Laura Gardin Frasier, SOM-1.1, and like all the medals was struck in Bronze. The SOM-111.1 was issued in 1985, designed by Donald De Lue and struck by The Medallic Art Company as all issues were. According to the Stack's listing, the blanks received 14 blows on a 100 ton press, annealed after each strike, to fully raise the details. Only 750 examples were issued.
I can't imagine anyone collecting the entire run of SOM issues, but if you look around there are quite a number with interesting, well designed subject matter. To that end it's a good study on American Society and the differing themes across many decades which influenced the artists. Donald De Lue had 2-3 different entries with this medal probably representing the zenith of his medallic art. I own only a few medals from the series and always search for certain issues, but they can be hard to find in pristine condition with no spotting or mishandling evidence. I'm happy to have finally ended a search.
Al H.
--- Society of Medalists. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Society_of_Medalists
--- Medallic Art Company. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medallic_Art_Company
--- Stack's lot. https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-TYBNZ/1985-bursting-the-bounds-medal-by-donald-de-lue-alexander-som-1111-bronze-ms-67-ngc
--- Donald De Lue. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_De_Lue
Comments
Good to read that you found a medal...congrats.
I was able to buy some of the early ones... I recently bought the Lindbergh which I believe is the fourth in the series.
Speaking of Medallic Arts, I have always wanted the 1933 FDR Inaugural struck by Medallic instead of the one struck by the US Mint.
The General Motors 25th Anniversary medal from 1933 is quite the iconic Art Moderne medal that I never get tired of looking at
Experience the World through Numismatics...it's more than you can imagine.
Interestingly, another sold on ebay today as well.
The edge view is crazy!
I know somebody that has a complete set of the Society of Medalists medals!
My friend David Alexander!
That’s a beautiful specimen @keets! Your patience paid off! Congrats on picking it up!
It’s amazing to have all of these given how long of a run they had! I wonder if any people here were members of the society?
Interestingly, another sold on ebay today as well.
--- there have been two listed on eBay for quite some time, both of clearly lower quality and higher listed prices. one of the two is just priced stupid.
I thought after the auction about how the fact that the medal was encapsulated may have worked against the selling price. collectors like things in the original packaging and may have been turned off by the large NGC holder. the twist is two-fold: the NGC holder is far superior to the original box for long term protection --- and --- all the original packaging was included in the sale. go figure. sometimes we each benefit from circumstances, stuff as simple as when an auction is held, where a specific lot is listed in the sale, general interest in the item and who is able to be bidding. in a nutshell, luck.
I know somebody that has a complete set of the Society of Medalists medals!
--- that would be a sight to behold, but I can't imagine the logistics required to store that collection. it would take up a lot of space in the boxes and would be a nightmare in my home and un-doable in 2-3 SDB's, which is where it should probably be. now that I've gotten this medal out of the way I'll try to chase down a few others, but I have no hope of ever having a complete set ala Mr. Alexander. that is a nice triumph.
@keets.... Congratulations Al... Glad to see your long search ended so well. Are those your pictures? Very impressive medal. What does it weigh? Incredible striking process. Cheers, RickO
those are the pictures from the Stack's listing, I haven't even gotten an invoice yet, much less the medal. I would imagine it must weigh around 4-6 ounces, at least. the most interesting thing about it to me is the difference in color between the two sides. I imagine the reverse was facing down in the box and that it was undisturbed for many years, perhaps from time of issue to encapsulation. that would also account for the lack of any handling marks.
That will be a hefty piece to hold in hand Al. I was thinking five or six ounces...so likely that range. A truly amazing piece. Cheers, RickO
The differences in look between the two sides is very special on your piece and adds a lot to the enjoyment of it. I can't wait to you have it in hand and can marvel at it and remark on it!
I've followed your posts on this piece earlier so I'm happy you were able to get such a nice looking specimen!
I have not closely followed valuations on most of these issues. I suspect there is a range that hopefully can be explained by appearance but one cannot rule out the number of collectors in the chase at the time of the hammer.
BTW, for those of you that did not follow the Stacks-Bowers auction, The TR Inaugural by Augustus St. Gaudens went for $57K and change... didn't see that coming. It is an impressive medal and worthy of significant interest which was apparent based on the end result... wow.
Experience the World through Numismatics...it's more than you can imagine.
Wow, beautiful medal - I got one of these on issue for my dad who must have stashed it in a drawer. That price looks pretty reasonable all in all.
Well, just Love coins, period.
The TR Inaugural by Augustus St. Gaudens
that was about 4-5 lots before this medal and the price had me worried. I always like to fly under the radar and thought with the bidding just prior to mine there'd be lots of eyes on it. I was happy to be wrong!!
I've always admired this medal. It is a great piece of artwork. Congratulations!
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
A beautiful piece of medallic sculpture, congratulations!