1777 (19th century?) B. Franklin Américain Portrait Medallion. Fur Cap without Spectacles. After Jean-Baptiste Nini. Type of Margolis-17. Terracotta.95.6 mm, approximately 5.8 mm at the edge. 1571.2 grains. Obverse with incuse signature and date NINI / F 1777 on truncation, left of coat of arms. Secondary date 1777 below, in relief. B FRANKLIN AMERICAIN around, separated by four rosettes and a single stop, with raised plain border. No suspension hole, as on originals. Squared but rough edges. A crude and perhaps early copy undoubtedly made using one of Ninis originals as the model to create the mold for this piece. Rough, granular surfaces are even inferior to those produced by the shop of Emile Balon around 1890, but this piece is quite interesting as it tells its own story of the degree to which Ninis works were valued. Clearly, some effort went into this production, and it does appear to be of substantial age. Large chips from the back, a few lesser ones seen around the obverse border.From the Richard August Collection.
