Circa 1845 Reward of Superior Merit medal by Joseph Davis, Birmingham. Musante GW-169, Baker-351. White Metal. SP-62 (PCGS).51.3 mm. Pierced for suspension. Finely ornamented rims. Mostly brilliant surfaces with just a trace of light oxidation on the lower obverse, just left of the Washington portrait medallion. Boldly reflective fields on both sides exhibit some light hairlines yet still form a nice background for the frosty devices. Very rare. We are not aware of any specimens in our sales in the last decade or more. Even the landmark Garrett Collection was missing this type, as were all other major sales we consulted. Apparently Rulau and Fuld had a similar experience in seeking out appearances, as this type was unplated in their 1999 revision of <em>Medallic Portraits</em>.Ex Charles I. Bushnell, S.H. and H. Chapman, June 1882, lot 1333; William Spohn Baker Collection, to the Historical Society of Pennsylvania by bequest, November 15, 1897.
