1866 Major General George Henry Thomas Medal. By Valentin Borrel, Published by Tiffany & Co. Bronze. MS-65 BN (PCGS). 77 mm. <strong>Obv:</strong> Military bust left with peripheral legend TO MAJOR GENERAL GEORGE H. THOMAS FROM THE STATE OF TENNESSEE. Signed by the artist BORREL 1866 on the truncation, small TIFFANY & CO. ED. in field below bust. <strong>Rev:</strong> Building in center with legends "I WILL HOLD THE TOWN TILL WE STARVE." above, BY JOINT / RESOLUTION / ADOPTED NOV. 2. / 1865 below in exergue. Signed by the artist BORREL at eight, below exergual line. The example sold as lot 5751 in our (Stacks) January 2009 Americana Sale had Paris Mint edge marks (bee) CUIVRE on edge, although for this specimen the PCGS holder prevents viewing of the edge. Warm golden-brown with pleasing, glossy fields. A few tiny carbon flecks and swirls of variegated color on the obverse are noted solely for accuracy.<p>A fascinating and rare medal commemorating the Union General best known as the "Rock of Chickamauga," voted him by the Reconstruction government of Tennessee on November 2, 1865. Thomas gained notoriety late in the war for his successful actions at Nashville. His image was later featured on the $5 Treasury notes of the Series of 1890.<p>Accompanied by the original black leather, red wine-colored plush interior case of issue, printed twice on the inside TIFFANY C& CO. / 550 . BROADWAY . 552 / NEW-YORK. The case is complete with a functional clasp, but it has split at the hinge, which is repaired in a simple manner with black electrical tape. A few exterior scuffs are also noted. (Total: 1 medal; 1 case)
