Lot 709

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Description:

FIDELITY MEDALLION FOR THE CAPTURE OF JOHN ANDRE
A nineteenth-century bronze version of the original Fidelity Medallion, the oldest decoration of the United States military and created by act of the Continental Congress in 1780. It is also referred to as "André Capture Medal" as historical records indicate that it was awarded to three soldiers from the New York Militia, David Williams, John Paulding and Isaac Van Wert, who aided in the arrest of Major John André for his role in organizing Benedict Arnold's defection to the British Army. The medal is 55mm. x 41mm, beautifully struck. The face of the medallion contains the inscription "FIDELITY" and the reverse "AMOR PATRIÆ VINCIT", ("The love of country conquers"). It does not bear the original oval bail at top for hanging from a ribbon. Oxidized, very good. This medallion is accompanied by an early twentieth-century replica struck in base medal, with identical obverse but reverse stamped "Facsimile Medal Given Patriots Van Wert, Paulding & Williams 1776". It is attached by string to a booklet dated Sept. 3, 1919 explaining that this example was given to Herman W. Becker by the Citizens of Van Wert County, Ohio. Little is known of Becker save that it appears he was born in 1895. The booklet, 30pp. 8vo., contains much information about Isaac Van Wert's role in Andre's. Lightly oxidized, very good condition. Two pieces.

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September 27, 2012 11:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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