Erie Canal Completion White Metal Medal by Sir Edward Thomason, C.1826

Name: Erie Canal Completion White Metal Medal by Sir Edward Thomason, C.1826
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1218743
Availability: SoldOut

18th century

Sold by Ritas Bazaar

Description

An important early nineteenth-century commemorative medal issued by Sir Edward Thomason of Birmingham to celebrate the completion of the Erie Canal. Struck in white metal, this large example reflects the quality and ambition of the Birmingham medal industry during the Regency period.

The Erie Canal transformed commerce within the United States and helped establish New York as the country's principal commercial centre. The medal features Neptune and Pan on the obverse and the arms of New York State on the reverse above a canal scene.

The design originated in the United States shortly after the completion of the Erie Canal and was engraved by Charles Cushing Wright. Thomason subsequently adopted the design and re-created it in a monumental 81 mm format. Its scale, historical importance and survival in excellent condition make it especially desirable today.

Large white-metal examples are significantly scarcer than many later commemorative issues and remain highly sought after by collectors of historical medals and early American history.

Measurements

Diameter: 8.12 cm / 3.20″

Weight: 165 g

Condition

Excellent antique condition. The details remain sharp and well preserved, with an attractive aged surface consistent with early nineteenth-century white metal. Free from the severe corrosion, spotting and metal deterioration often encountered on surviving examples of this type.

Shipping & Packaging

Fully tracked and insured delivery.

Shipping cost includes professional packaging, careful handling and secure postage.

Carefully packed using recycled materials where possible.

Please study all photographs as they form part of the description.

Questions are welcome.

Declaration

Ritas Bazaar has dated this piece to the Georgian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1218743

Dealers Internal Reference

B1764

Description

An important early nineteenth-century commemorative medal issued by Sir Edward Thomason of Birmingham to celebrate the completion of the Erie Canal.

“

Struck in white metal, this large example reflects the quality and ambition of the Birmingham medal industry during the Regency period.

Ritas Bazaar

fig 1. Erie Canal completion white metal medal by Sir Edward Thomason, c.1826 — fig 1. Erie Canal Completion White Metal Medal by Sir Edward Thomason, C.1826

The Erie Canal transformed commerce within the United States and helped establish New York as the country's principal commercial centre. The medal features Neptune and Pan on the obverse and the arms of New York State on the reverse above a canal scene.

fig 2. Erie Canal completion white metal medal by Sir Edward Thomason, c.1826 — fig 2. Erie Canal Completion White Metal Medal by Sir Edward Thomason, C.1826

The design originated in the United States shortly after the completion of the Erie Canal and was engraved by Charles Cushing Wright. Thomason subsequently adopted the design and re-created it in a monumental 81 mm format. Its scale, historical importance and survival in excellent condition make it especially desirable today.

fig 3. Erie Canal completion white metal medal by Sir Edward Thomason, c.1826 — fig 3. Erie Canal Completion White Metal Medal by Sir Edward Thomason, C.1826

Large white-metal examples are significantly scarcer than many later commemorative issues and remain highly sought after by collectors of historical medals and early American history.

Measurements

Diameter: 8.12 cm / 3.20″

fig 4. Erie Canal completion white metal medal by Sir Edward Thomason, c.1826 — fig 4. Erie Canal Completion White Metal Medal by Sir Edward Thomason, C.1826

Weight: 165 g

Condition

Excellent antique condition. The details remain sharp and well preserved, with an attractive aged surface consistent with early nineteenth-century white metal. Free from the severe corrosion, spotting and metal deterioration often encountered on surviving examples of this type.