The original Great Seal of the Confederate States of America was designed by Joseph S. Wyon in London, England for Confederate commissioner James M. Mason, who represented the Confederate interests in England during the Civil War. The original striking was in silver, but it was "lost" (smuggled out) in the evacuation of the Confederate capitol at Richmond, VA when it fell to Union soldiers in August, 1864. The original seal later came into the possession of Col. John T. Pickett, who had electrotype copies made in copper, silver, and gold. The design depicts a central equestrian image of George Washington surrounded by an ornate wreath of cotton, tobacco, wheat, and corn, with the legend THE CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA: 22 FEBRUARY 1962 ★ DEO VINDICE ★ around.
The copper electrotype shell is housed in a velvet-lined leather case, presented under glass in a brass bezel. The case is included as part of this lot, showing moderate wear, with the leather partially loose on the bottom and worn elsewhere. The interior velvet is slightly faded but in good condition. The clasp works perfectly. It is estimated that no more than 20 such electrotype medals exist, although far fewer have been traced. The present medallic shell is pristine and essentially flawless. The exact year of reproduction is thought to be 1872. A previous appearance of one of these medals in the Bowers & Ruddy Garrett Collection auction quotes an 1874 letter from the firm J.S. & A.B. Wyon, Chief Engravers of Her Majesties Seals, verifying the electrotype copies were made from the Original Seal.
From The Twin Cities Collection of Medals.
Estimate: $800 - $1,600. Opening Bid: $313
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