1905 Womens Auxiliary of the Massachusetts Civil Service Reform Association Presentation Medal. Bronze. 127.2 mm. By Frances Grimes and Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Marqusee-349, Storer-1321, Dryfhout-199. Mint State. Rich golden-tan patina blankets both sides, the design elements sharply to fully defined. A few light, well scattered carbon spots are all that preclude a Choice Mint State rating for this handsome piece. When cataloged by D. Wayne Johnson in the Marquee Collection, it was thought that this medal was the design of Saint-Gaudens and executed by his studio assistant Frances Grimes. Further research by Bob Mueller, president of the Cornish Colony Museum, relates that this was most probably chiefly the work of Grimes under the critical tutelage of Saint-Gaudens. These medals were awarded by the Association to eighth grade and high school students for competitive essays on Civil Service Reform; later awards of this medal were made by other organizations. This medal is awarded to student DORA ALICE VOLLMER, as inscribed in the reverse cartouche, and the edge is marked GORHAM CO at the 6 oclock position. A rare type that is more difficult to find than its academic award nature might indicate, as it is collected by Saint-Gaudens, art medal and Massachusetts enthusiasts alike; its rarity has been verified by price realizations of more than $10,000 for top quality pieces. From the Richard Jewell Collection.
