All Medals

The uniface medallion's obverse bears muscular, bare-armed and gloved worker, facing right, removing a tire from an open mold. From number at left, text running around upper edge, 25 - YEAR OF FRIENDLY SERVICE; in exergue, (GOODYEAR logo) / THE GREATEST NAME / IN RUBBER; signed to right of mold, (RC monogram)

This is the 25 year version of Rene Chambellan's Goodyear series of medallions. All of these medallions came mounted to a wooden board to be hung in offices or shops that were selling Goodyear product. The mounting is done via a drilled, threaded pin that is affixed to the center of the medallion.

This medallion has Chambellan going back to one of his fortés: the depiction of industrial workers at their places of work.  Few American medallic sculptors did that as well as Chambellan.

Dick Johnson's reference does not list the set number for this medallion, so I follow his practice and list it with an x for unknown.

The circular medallion measures 102mm in diameter and is struck in bronze by the Medallic Art Company of New York. No mintage is reported.

At least my examplar of this medallion is silver-plated.  Whether that was done by the Medallic Art Company or whether the recipient performed an "upgrade" on the medallion is unknown.  For now, I list the one known variant as made of bronze until I receive more feedback from other collectors.

References:   MACo 1948-041-x

References:   Murtha 214

References:   MACo 1971-013-016, WR 16

The medal's obverse bears idealized forest scene with with doe nuzzling fawn on left side and owls perched on pine branch on right side. Signed at bottom, Eliscu

The reverse bears calendar panel flanked by owls with fawn above. At bottom, 1991

This was the 17th medal issued by the Medallic Art Company in its annual calendar medal series. As noted in the brochure that accompanied the medal:

"The 1991 Calendar Medallion by Frank Eliscu is a beautifully sculpted reminder for us to concern ourselves with our environment and to protect animal habitats."

"Beautifully sculpted reminder" is a very aptly chosen phrase because the medal's obverse was reused from the very first medal in the calendar medal series issued in 1975. I don't know what the rationale behind that choice was.  Maybe the designs for the next planned medal were running late, maybe the Medallic Art company was in business turmoil at the time, but regardless, Frank Eliscu saw his design used twice in one medal series!

The circular medal measures 76.2mm in diameter and was struck in bronze and (probably) silver by the Medallic Art Company. No mintages are reported.

References:   Cal MA-1991

References:   BG 16

The obverse bears upper body of muscular worker with short-sleeved shirt unbuttoned, right arm across body in dynamic pose. At lower left, COURAGE

The reverse bears rising sun over stylized wave-framed horizon at bottom. Above, DEDICATED / to all / those who have / the courage to / face adversity / with a conquering / spirit

This plaque holds one of Fairbanks' most iconic images: the heroic worker, facing whatever challenges the day might bring with determination and courage. It is a very 1930's motif, executed beautifully and dynamically. In some ways, it is very reminiscent of Communist imagery. Taken out of context, it might well be an image from a Soviet medal praising the "heroic socialist worker doing his part to fulfill the ten-year plan." Regardless, it is a beautiful plaquette and definitely in my list of favorite medals.

This plaque measures 60mm x 90mm and was struck in bronze by the Medallic Art Company of New York. No mintage is reported.

References:   MACo 1933-018

References:   MACo 1958-046-002

References:   Cal FM-1973

The obverse bears a U.S. Army Chaplain, wearing steel helmet, kneeling facing right, assisting wounded soldier in drinking from water bottle. At upper edge, 1917 - 1918; signed at left, LAURA G / FRASER / 1920.

The reverse bears cross over U.S. Navy dreadnought, South Carolina class 1908. Around upper edge, AWARDED TO THE CHAPLAINS OF THE / AMERICAN AR-MY and NAVY; across lower half, THE GENERAL WAR-TIME COMMISSION / OF THE - CHURCHES / FEDERAL COUNCIL OF THE / CHURCHES OF CHRIST IN / AMERICA.

The medal was awarded by the General Committee of Army and Navy Chaplains to the Protestant Chaplains who served with the Army and Navy of the United States during World War I.

The medal measures 70mm in diameter and was struck in bronze by the Gorham Company of Providence, Rhode Island, and the Medallic Art Company of New York.

References:   Baxter 326, MACo 1920-022, Marqusee 166