Question about Abraham Demarest Plaster George Washington Medallion

Rcoins55

Hi Everyone,

I was wondering if anyone knows anything about this of plaster. Abraham Demarest George Washington Medallion? It is uniface and appears to be made of plaster. On the obverse is George Washington's head looking right with the words George Washington surrounding him. Below his bust is the name A. Damerest SC NY. Below that is says J. Crutchett Mt Vernon Factory. The reverse is blank. I think it might relate to the production process of Demarest's George Washington's Medallions for J. Crutchett around 1859.

Let me know your thoughts.

tokenpro

The plaster piece appears to be a cast made from one of the later George Washington electrotype shells made for sale by James Crutchett (if it is 70mm or smaller in diameter). I do not believe that it was involved in the actual production of the smaller electrotypes which omitted the wreath and bands found on the original electros . Those were usually trimmed and mounted on wood or in frames as wall hangings. The portrait of GW is most likely taken from Duvivier's "Washington Before Boston" and produced by Demarest of New York City.

Crutchett made his living producing souvenir items involving Washington and his home at Mount Vernon, Crutchett had the exclusive right to cut trees from the Mount Vernon property for use in his souvenir and artifact production in his "factory" (actually his house) in the District. The most recognizable Crutchett items are the round wood holders with an American Bank Note produced bust of Washington glued in and with explanatory back paper also attached. The smaller sized electros were made in the 1880's while most of the other items were made pre-Civil War.

Neil Musante has a great two page story on the interesting English engineer James Crutchett in his defining two volume catalog "Medallic Washington" where he details the electros and the other Crutchett medals concerning Mount Vernon and Washington's Tomb.

DCW

Still a wealth of knowledge on this forum. Great to see!
@tokenpro 👍

Rcoins55

Thank you so much!

tokenpro

Here is an example of the mounted electrotype (Type 1 with the border) and the frequently encountered wood frame with the ABNC print & description attached. (Images courtesy of Worthpoint).