chemistry

References:   MACo 1939-011

The medal's obverse bears statuesque woman holding cornucopia in one arm and baby in the other; behind her at left, man adjusting valve of chemical apparatus; at right, older man studying tome with flasks and vessels next to him. Around top, · CHEMICAL RESEARCH FOR PLENTY HEALTH AND PEACE · ; signed at right, (JMS monogram)

The reverse bears winged hour glass. Around, ARNOLD, HOFFMAN & CO., INC. / MANUFACTURING CHEMISTS; across, CELEBRATING / ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIVE / YEARS / OF CONTINUOUS SERVICE TO / AMERICAN INDUSTRY / 1815 - 1949 / THE / OLDEST CHEMICAL HOUSE / IN NEW ENGLAND

Arnold, Hoffman & Co., Inc. traces it roots back to 1815 in Providence, Rhode Island.  Benjamin and Charles Dyer setup a wholesale business for drugs, chemicals and dyes.  It changed hands many times over the years.  In 1874 the name was Mason, Chapin & Co. and the firm
was one of the largest importers of natural indigo from India. 

In 1892 the company acquired the Anchor Color & Gum Works which had built a plant in Dighton, Massachusetts in 1861 to manufacture furniture and later colors ground in oil for paint.  Starch and softening agents were also made.  In 1897 Edward. E. Arnold, president of Mason, Chapin & Co., formed Arnold, Peck & Co. with William H. Hoffman as an investor.  In 1900 Arnold and Hoffman formed the Arnold, Hoffman & Co. corporation.  Earlier, Arnold had established the Mathieson Alkali Works in 1892 in Saltville, Virginia. 

The circular medal measures 75.2mm in diameter and was struck in bronze by the Medallic Art Company of New York. No mintage is reported.

References:   MACo 1940-009

The plaque depicts nude male figure, striding left, bearing torch and palm frond; behind him, rearing Pegasus and disc with SAFETY legend. Around top, ROHM & HAAS SAFETY AWARD; in exergue, AWARDED TO THE EMPLOYEES OF THE / BRIDESBURG PLANT / INTERLPANT SAFETY CONTEST / 1954; signed above exergue at right, RENE CHAMBELLAN SC.

The company was founded in Esslingen, Germany, by Dr. Otto Röhm and Otto Haas in 1907. Haas moved to Philadelphia and began the American side of the business on September 1, 1909, from an office on Front Street, while Otto Röhm remained in Germany to run a company that would eventually become Röhm GmbH.  The American side of the business grew rapidly and its annual revenue in 2008 reached almost $9 billion. In 2009, the Dow Chemical Corporation acquired Rohm & Haas, ending its independence.

The plaque was awarded to Rohm & Haas plants that had achieved outstanding results in attaining the company's objectives in industrial safety.  Usually, this meant an entire year of operations without an accident that caused the loss of work time due to injury. The plaque depicted is dated 1954 and that is the earliest mention of the award I could find.  While I can't know for sure, I would date the plaque to the early 1950's. Any additional information would be appreciated.

The plaque is cast in coppery bronze and measures 273mm x 395mm. No mintage is reported though it was still being awarded in the 1970's, so there must be quite a few of them around.

The medal's obverse bears teacher surrounded by group of students and chemical flasks. Around, AWARDED FOR EXCELLENCE IN PRE HIGH SCHOOL CHEMISTRY TEACHING; signed on truncation of pupil at right bottom, J. E. R. Sc.

The reverse bears chemical vessels, book and banner for engaving. Around, PRESENTED BY / CHEMICAL MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION; on banner, AWARDED TO

This medal comes in (two or) three flavors: one for college level teaching, one for high school, and one for pre-high school. Dick Johnson, who is the authority for anything related to the Medallic Art Company only lists the first two but not this member of the set.

References:   MACo 1957-046