The Vesta McCurry saga: WW1 “trench art” on a 1918 French coin

lordmarcovan

Here is a French 2-franc piece from 1918.

It was made into a World War I “trench art” love token in France, acquired by Howard G. Pearman, a sergeant with Company F of the US 21st Infantry, 3rd Division, and engraved for his sweetheart back home, Miss Vesta McCurry of Hartwell, Georgia.

Here is Vesta, circa 1918. Howard returned home safely and they married on Christmas Day of 1919.

Here are Howard and Vesta, later in life. He died in 1958. She lived until 1973.

Here is Howard and Vesta’s granddaughter Nancy, to whom I returned the coin in 2019, a century after her grandparents’ wedding.

It was really exciting to research that piece, track down its history, and send it home to the family. It’s rare to own an old coin and discover so much about the actual everyday people in its history.

Bob13

Cool story! Can I ask how it came into your possession?

lordmarcovan

@Bob13 said:
Cool story! Can I ask how it came into your possession?

I got it as part of a swap, from a friend who knew I liked love tokens and engraved pieces.

291fifth

Coins like that are so much more interesting when the people behind them are known!

lordmarcovan

@291fifth said:
Coins like that are so much more interesting when the people behind them are known!

I completely agree. Especially when you can find photos of the person.

This wasn’t the only WW1 trench art love token I found that revealed a face from the past.

This one had an equally poignant backstory, but alas, a sadder tale to tell:

https://www.cointalk.com/threads/berthas-boy-ww1-love-token-on-1916-french-franc-from-a-fallen-canadian-soldier-to-his-mother.286034/

To summarize that one: Canadian private Harold Clinton Shaver had this coin engraved for his mother, shortly before he was killed in a German air raid on the hospital in which he was working.

1960NYGiants

@lordmarcovan Another excellent research effort and outcome.

Happy to report that the Shaver piece is enshrined in the Canadian War Museum collection in Ottawa.

lordmarcovan

@1960NYGiants said:
@lordmarcovan Another excellent research effort and outcome.

Happy to report that the Shaver piece is enshrined in the Canadian War Museum collection in Ottawa.

I am delighted to know that.

Bailathacl

Absolutely perfect landing spots for two very meaningful items. Hats off, Rob, holey coins or not.