Collection Highlights
Physician's saddlebags w/bottles & bundles
1800-1850
1954.11
Leather, metal, glass, paper
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Museum Collections
Historical Artifacts
American Institute Medal
Title
American Institute Medal
Date
ca. 1856
Medium
Silver
Dimensions
diameter: 2 3/8 in. ( 6 cm )
Description
Silver struck medal with obverse showing figure of Liberty holding laurel wreath and pole surmounted by Phrygian cap; at left are tools of agriculture and sailing ship in the background; at right -- symbols of American state and cornucopia; legend above: "AMERICAN INSTITUTE."; inscription in exergue: "NEW YORK." Reverse has space for engraving at center, enclosed within oak wreath, with legend: "AWARDED TO" and engraved inscription below: "S. Cahill/For the best/Riding Boots/1856." In black celluloid case with scrollwork relief on front and back, lined in crimson velvet.
Object Number
INV.4749
Marks
Inscription: obverse, in exergue, at left: "G.H.LOVETT N.Y."
Gallery Label
The American Institute was founded in NY in 1827 as a national organization dedicated to supporting the industrial and agrarian arts. Its annual fairs, held in Mechanics Hall, and later Masonic Hall and Niblo's Garden, were in the words of Luther Bradish, a former Governor of New York and 10th President of the N-YHS, "extensive and brilliant displays of the most valuable specimens of domestic skill and industry."
Bibliography
Harkness, Andrew. "The American Institute - Catalyst for the American Greatness." TAMS (Token and Medal Society) Journal 29, no. 4 (August 1989): 123-135.
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.
