(ca. 1906) United States Medal for Life Saving on Railroads. Bronze. 44 mm. By Adolph Alexander Weinman. Baxter-173. Choice Mint State. Plain edge and unmounted. Struck by the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia. Reverse cartouche uninscribed. Regarded as being among Weinmans most stellar medallic creations. Other than our previous offering of this same example in our February 2015 Americana Sale, we find no previous appearances f this very rare medal in a sale by this firm or its predecessors, nor in any sale by Presidential Coin and Antique Company or Heritage Auctions. The American Numismatic Society Collection includes an awarded specimen, on a hanger with bar and ribbon, named to George Poell, which served as the plate piece in both Baxter and the 1911 exhibition catalog. There were 81 examples officially awarded, mostly before World War One, but a few as late as the 1960s. This specimen appears to date from about the 1906 inception of the medal, with very finely detailed matte finish surfaces showing the honey-bronze finish of U.S. Mint medals from that era. A few little specks are seen on the reverse, no heavy marks or damage. The fluidity of Weinmans acclaimed design is nicely showcased. A very important opportunity for collectors. From the Richard Jewell Collection.
