For sale is a rare 1838 Silver American Institute Scientific Award Medallion. This award medal was designed by American artist Robert Lovett. The silver medal contains about 60 grams of silver. The obverse of the medal features a high relief scene of Columbia, a female allegorical figure, seated facing left, holding a wreath and pole topped by pileus. The figure is flanked by eagle atop crest; a cornucopia at right’ and a spinning wheel and sheaves of wheat at left. There is a sailing ship in background. The text around edge coin reads “AMERICAN INSTITUTE – NEW YORK.” The medallion’s reverse is bordered by wreath of laurel leaves and inscribed appears to read: “AWARDED TO Flor. Bottomly for the 2nd Best Wool Dyed (illegible word) Broadcloth – 1838.” Flor. is probably an abbreviation for Florence. This historic medal measures about diameter and 1/8 inches thick. This superb antique scientific or professional medals is a museum worthy collectible.
The American Institute, a civic organization, was chartered on 2 May 1829 in New York City. Between 1838 until 1930, the Institute awarded medals of recognition medals to inventors, scientists, and agriculturalists in gold, silver, and bronze. During the 1980s, the American Institute was eventually merged with the New York Academy of Sciences (NYAS). The medal for sale dates from the start of the Institute’s award program.
Broadcloth is a tightly woven and felted woolen base cloth, regarded for its lustrous quality and sheen, perfect for accenting the curves and folds of upholstered furniture and drapery.
