Experts everywhere state that these medals were offered in bronze and silver. The medal offered here, with its gold plating over silver is not mentioned anywhere that I can find. I’ve done a lot of research and all sources state that this medal was available in two sizes– a large medal in silver or bronze, in a nice Gorham case, and a smaller medal (as here) on a pinned silk ribbon, in bronze. A local coin dealer tested the metal composition of this medal and it tested 90% silver, not bronze. The remaining 10% would be the metal that the silver was alloyed with to cast the medal, and the rest would be the gold plating. This silver medal is plated with a high karat gold — probably 22K, and the plating extends to the ring at the top of the medal. The medal alone weighs 13 grams. It’s diameter is 1.375 or 34.9 mm. The (original) straight pin and the ring on the ribbon are brass. The striped ribbon is one length of silk grosgrain, with its ends stitched together at the top. Everything is in excellent condition. This was designed by the noted sculptor Theodore Spicer-Simson, who signed both sides of the pieces. The obverse features an eagle with a shield on his breast incorporating the Sword of Righteousness and symbols representing the Allied WW I nations: France (the galleon and the rooster), England (cross and oak leaf), Russia (the sitting bear), Serbia (four “E”s), Belgium (lion) and Japan (rayed sun). The phrase “DO RIGHT AND FEAR NO MAN” was inspired by the engraving on one of George Washington’s dress swords. ” The reverse bears an American shield with the date “APRIL VI MDCCCCXVII. ” In a circle around the shield is the phrase from Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address “That Government by the People Shall Not Perish. ” Also on this side: the “TSS” signature and the “Gorham Co. Theodore Spicer-Simson was a world famous sculptor and medalist who lived in Coconut Grove, Florida from the late 1920s until his death in 1959. His work included portrait medallions cast in bronze of literary and other prominent figures from his lifetime and medals designed for various institutions and associations.
