The medal's obverse bears Joyce's bust facing left. At left and right edge, JOYCE SILVER - JUBILEE; at left and right, 1904 / 1929; signed on neck, J.J.
The medal's reverse bears displayed eagle on stylized sun; panel with wreath at bottom of sun. Around, NATIONAL SVRETY COMPANY / FOR DISTINGVISHED SERVICE; on sun, WORLDS / LARGEST / SURETY / COMPANY; in panel, AWARDED TO; inscribed to J.C. MURPHY
The edge is marked with MEDALLIC ART CO. N.Y.
The National Surety Company was an early competitor to the United States Fidelity and Guarantee Company in a competition that was characterized by agent raiding and fierce rate wars. William Joyce had apparently promised to deliver business to USF&G following a sellout of National Surety. Instead, the firm was reorganized and Joyce became first Vice President and then President of the National Surety Company. The personal rivalry between USF&G's founder John Randolph Bland and National Surety Company's Joyce led to a twenty year business war that only ended when the two reconciled in 1922, one year before Bland's death.
The medal was given to employees upon their silver employment jubilee.
This circular medal measures 63mm in diameter and was struck in bronze by the Medallic Art Company of New York. No mintage is reported.
References: MACo 1929-017
