Is this the oldest "slab" ?

dcarr · March 31, 2013 10:39AM

50mm white metal 1876 Centennial Medal, in original bevel glass and leather "slab".
The glass has some superficial scratches. But it did its job, the medal is in pristine as-struck proof-like condition (hard to capture how nice it really is in a photo).

DUIGUY · March 31, 2013 10:43AM

illini420 · March 31, 2013 10:51AM

That's pretty neat!

coinman420 · March 31, 2013 10:54AM

morgansforever · March 31, 2013 11:03AM

My Cool Meter is pegged to the right and stuck there

Neat piece, the artistry is incredible IMO.

MsMorrisine · March 31, 2013 11:12AM

from where did you acquire it?

crazyhounddog · March 31, 2013 11:17AM

Cool looking. Kinda like a tire with nice rims!

NumisOxide · March 31, 2013 11:44AM

Thought I saw one of those on ebay awhile ago. It's cool! Looks like an early type of 'airtite holder'.

messydesk · March 31, 2013 11:45AM

Exceedingly cool!

jonathanb · March 31, 2013 11:49AM

There are other glass-encased medals that are older. I have several US Mint presidential medalettes from the 1860s or so. The Pitt Club medals (British) from the 1820s are often found in glass. That's not to say that the medal itself is common... but when it does turn up, it often turns up in glass. See for example http://www.historicmedals.com/viewItem.php?no=1168

WoodenJefferson · March 31, 2013 12:49PM

Really old!

rainbowroosie · March 31, 2013 12:49PM

Love it.

dcarr · March 31, 2013 3:31PM

<< <i>from where did you acquire it? >>

<< <i>Thought I saw one of those on ebay awhile ago. It's cool! Looks like an early type of 'airtite holder'. >>

Yes, I saw it on eBay, BIN.

I think the intent of this piece was to serve as a paperweight.

Thanks for the replies. Not the oldest "slab" around, apparently. But still a really neat item. And the outer band is still in remarkably good condition, especially considering how old it is and what it is made of (leather). So I doubt that there are many of these left intact.