Lot 3537
Early Plaster Cast from a James Madison Indian Peace Medal. 19th Century. Draped and cloaked half-length bust of Madison left; inscription: JAMES MADISON PRESIDENT OF THE U.S. A.D. 1809. Above the ID in president, a faint circle, indicating where the medal was to be pierced. On the lower rim, hardly to be seen in this cast is an R. for the engraver John Reich. Width: c. 75.5 mm. Set into a vintage hardwood frame (the glass probably replaced fairly recently). Comes with a recent U.S. Mint struck bronze restrike for comparison (also framed). Lot of 2 pieces.
It is impossible to discern to when the casting was made -- perhaps, at best, datable to the time when the medal was in the process of creation and early production, although a later date is the more likely. The 19th century saw the continued use of plaster and gutta-percha replicas, as was started in the 18th century, as a means of replicating objects and smaller works of art for collectors of less affluent means -- particularly in the realms of coins and medals, and glyptic arts. Estimated Value $100 - 150
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| Realized $173 |
