The medal's obverse bears horse-drawn fire wagon racing down a street from right to left. In exergue, FIRE DEPARTMENT / CITY OF NEW YORK
The reverse shows the fire department's coat of arms in oval field, flanked by sprigs of laurel and oak. Around, THE JOHN H. PRENTICE MEMORIAL MEDAL FOR VALOR ·; across, AWARDED TO / WILLIAM M. J. YATES / FIREMAN 1ST GRADE H. & L. CO. No. 4 / 1934; signed at bottom, TIFFANY & CO
This rare medal has been awarded since 1920 for acts of valor by New York City fire fighters. I could not find out much about either Mrs. Prentice or Yates. Mr. Prentice seems to have been a Brooklyn official. I would love to document Mr. Yates' act of valor that caused him to receive this medal. Maybe someone with connections to the FDNY can help out with information.
My medal has been pretty badly abused. In addition to the gouges, scratches, and nicks, it also had its loop removed. Normally, the medal is looped and worn on a ribbon.
The circular medal measures 49mm in diameter and was struck in 14kt gold by Tiffany & Co. of New York City.
Images courtesy of Stack's Bowers Galleries, www.StacksBowers.com.