This medal's obverse bears female gas spirit rising from ground, holding burning torch; in background, modern gas refinery and storage tank. Across, AMERICAN - GAS / INSTITU - TE / BEAL / MEDAL.
The reverse shows a blank cartouche, torches and laurels. Signed at bottom right, C.BEACH.
The American Gas Institute was an amalgamation of various regional gas light companies that worked on promoting scientific research and technological development to help with the production, distribution and consumption of gas. The Beal Medal was awarded annually to the best research or invention in the Institute's areas of interest.
My copy of this medal is actually in two pieces. Both obverse and reverse are struck in thick medal stock and each has been fitted with two pins in back to hold them on a cardboard base. Apparently, the pieces came from Chester Beach's studio collection and probably represent trial strikes that the artist kept for himself.
This medal measures 50mm in diameter and was struck in bronze and silver by the Medallic Art Company of New York.
References: Baxter 241