1871 (ca. 1872) Chicago Fire Commemorative Medal. By William Barber. Julian CM-13. Bronze. MS-66 BN (NGC).51 mm. Beautiful mahogany-brown surfaces exhibit an overall smooth, satiny texture that is nearly pristine. Five hundred examples of this medal were struck in July 1872 using bronze recovered from the Chicago Court House bell. The medal commemorates the Great Chicago Fire of October 8-10, 1871, that is believed to have killed nearly 300 people and destroyed more than three square miles of the city. The original leather covered wooden box is included in this lot, although the box itself, which is still intact, has seen better days. A 3 inches x 4 1/2 inches document is also included with one side certifying that the metal from which the Chicago Fire medals were struck was truly from the Court House bell. The other side is an assurance from the Philadelphia Mint Chief Coiners Department that the Mint actually used the metal from the bell to strike the medals. It is signed by A. Loudon Snowden, Chief Coiner (later to be Superintendent of the Mint). The document has been folded twice, crosswise, and is now separating along the folds. Additionally included is a W.E. Bowman stereo view card of the ruins of the Court House. The right hand image is scuffled and damaged, but the opposite side is clear. (Total 4 items)From the Larry Baber Collection.
