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Death of Washington Commemorative Medal

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Collection Type

  • Jewelry

Date

1800

GUSN

GUSN-101680

Description

This medal was struck in 1800 to commemorate the death of George Washington in December of 1799. On the recto side it shows a profile of Washington wearing his military coat, surrounded by the inscription "He is in glory the world in tears." On the verso stands a classical draped urn inscribed with his intitials and surrounded by his dates of birth, army service, presidency and death. It is pierced at the center top with a hole, through which is passed a round bail for suspension as a pendant. These medals were struck in white metal, silver, copper and gold for mourners to wear in memory of "the immortal Washington" according to one advertisement at the time.

Details

Descriptive Terms

silver (metal)
Commemorative
Medal, Commemorative
Medal, Commemorative

Label

The death of George Washington in 1799 sent the young Republic into deep mourning. The outpouring of grief translated into a range of commemorative objects and elaborate funeral processions across the country. A silversmith in Newburyport, Massachusetts, designed this medal specifically for children to wear at Washington's memorial processions.

Inscription

On side one: ""HE IS IN GLORY, THE WORLD IN TEARS."
On Side two: "B.F.II.1732.G.A.ARM.'75.R/'83.P.U.S.A.'89/R.'96G.ARM.U.S.'98.OB.D.14.1799." (imprinted)

Associated Building

Original to Phillips House (Salem, Mass.),

Additional Identification Number

1131

Maker

Perkins, Jacob E, 1766-1849 (Silversmith)

Location of Origin

Massachusetts

Dimensions

1/16 (W), 1 1/8 (diameter) (inches)

Credit Line

Gift of the Stephen Phillips Memorial Charitable Trust for Historic Preservation

Accession Number

2006.44.95

Places

Newburyport (Essex county, Massachusetts)

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