Morgan Peace $ Plaque (cast)

lilolme

I bought this at a show many years ago when I was more into Morgan $. Still kind of neat and I keep it around in the background. The Morgan and Peace obverse representations are definitely comical but I get it. The bottom row has a copyright C on the Morgan and what looks like a makers stamp on the Peace.

Top and bottom has - United States Of America One Dollar
Bottom also has - Wilton Columbia Pennsylvania
Throughout the plaque the initials RWP but are actually RPW (for Ralph P Wilton)

On the back has Pat. No. 3610175 - which has a filing date of 6/5/69 and appears to be a method of production patent.
It has a ring of silicon like sealant around the periphery of the back as if it was mounted or installed at some time..
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I didn't know much about it but looking online and doing searches on the stuff that is on it, this is the information I found.

From: https://www.freepatentsonline.com/3610175.html
Title: PLAQUELIKE COVERING MEMBERS FOR SERVING PIECES
United States Patent 3610175
Abstract: A combination ornamental and impervious protective cast metal plaquelike covering members for the top surface of serving pieces such as tables, bars and the like, and having an intaglio design of uniform height. Said members having a rim extending around the perimeter thereof. At least two opposite parallel edges of said members being adapted to abut each other, said edges being bevelled to receive plastic sealing material therebetween to render the assembly of members liquid-proof, and said members also being bowed upwardly at opposite edges.
Assignee: WILTON BRASS CO.
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The company Wilton Armetale started as a metal foundry in 1892 under another name. This explains how this stuff came about.

The company's greatest success occurred in 1963 when Wilton, Jr. developed the formula for a unique aluminum-based alloy called Armetale, which led to a new line of Wilton products. In 1969, the Wilton Brass Company relocated to Mount Joy, Pennsylvania and changed its name to reflect its new direction. Today, Wilton Armetale combines innovative design with old-world craftsmanship to produce a successful line of serveware, giftware, and decorative accessories.

Wilton Armetale's products are produced by using an ancient painstaking process called sand molding, whereby an impression formed in sand is filled with molten metal. Since items are individually cast and meticulously hand-finished, no two pieces are exactly alike. Not surprisingly, the Armetale formula remains a closely guarded family secret. When cast, this metal alloy can be worked to acquire the look of pewter or be highly polished to resemble silver. Products made from Armetale are functional as well as beautiful. The tarnish-resistant alloy will not crack, chip, or dent; and its ability to retain temperatures makes it versatile for heating, chilling, and serving. Design is an important element of Wilton Armetale's products, so it is fitting that the name Armetale means art metal.

A 2010 article said that the Wilton family after 118 years sold the Wilton Armetale to Reading foundry.

Searches will find these out there on the internet (if not sold) and for $50 to maybe $100 it appeared.

Did not find any information on this model / design.

silverpop

very neat

ricko

Interesting exonumia... Thanks for the attendant history of the material/company. Cheers, RickO

messydesk

Cool! I guess if I were ever in the market for a trivet, I'd want one like that.

lilolme

@messydesk said:
Cool! I guess if I were ever in the market for a trivet, I'd want one like that.

Had to look up trivet (not one of my words) and yes that could work. Bond a small foot in each corner. It seems to be fairly sturdy and the patent indicated it was good for heat.

JBK

Neat item.

I could tell it was Armetale even before I read that far. That alloy had a very distinctive look, always cast. It was huge in the 1970s and into the 1980s as a substitute for pewter, which had sort of developed a mixed reputation because some pewter had lead in it.

All the Armetale I've ever seen has been cast and is heavy and has that sort of textured cast surface. I assume all of that is due to the specific properties of the alloy.

I notice that the words ONE DOLLAR are intentionally misspelled on your pieces. Obviously that was done to make sure they steered clear of counterfeiting laws.

Somewhere I have a countertop promotional sign made of Armetale, which advertises the company.

lilolme

@JBK said:
Neat item.

I notice that the words ONE DOLLAR are intentionally misspelled on your pieces. Obviously that was done to make sure they steered clear of counterfeiting laws.

Somewhere I have a countertop promotional sign made of Armetale, which advertises the company.

I had noticed that about the one dollar and just though it was an initial casting crop that got duplicated throughout. But I think you are probably correct and for me:

it was just my imagination, once again
Runnin' away with me
Tell you, it was just my imagination
Runnin' away with me

Meltdown

Neat. I love "stuff" like this.

conrad99

That Morgan Liberty looks just like the saucy wench I always knew she was.