United States Presidential Medal of Merit

[Guest Darrell]

Here a beauty and an ORIGINAL you don't see around every day. This is a Cased Presidential Medal of Merit that came in a 1950's Style Plastic Clear Case. The medal is a mid to late 40's issue. It comes with a Ribbon Bar and Rosette Lapel Device.

Case Top with Medal:

[Guest Darrell]

Bottom of Case:

[Guest Darrell]

Case Open with Medal:

[Guest Darrell]

Case Open Empty:

[Guest Darrell]

Medal Obverse:

[Guest Darrell]

Medal Reverse:

[slava1stclass]

Darrell,

A wonderful example. They sure knew how to produce high-quality medals back in the late 1940s. Here is an example of the Medal for Merit certificate and accompanying letter on White House stationery. The recipient should be no stranger to any of us.

Regards,

slava1stclass

Edited May 14, 2007 by slava1stclass

[Guest Darrell]

Thanks mate. Great Document !!! Would make a wonderful set if they were of one. Thanks for showing

[David S]

Nice find

Your collection is verrrrrry inmpressive !

[Guest Darrell]

Thanks David.

[Guest Rick Research]

They don't make 'em like THAT any more. Sigh!

I've never seen that style of case before. From the slot on upper bottom, it looks like it was intended to hang "in its own frame" from a nailhead in a wall... what keeps the end that opens (which would then be on the bottom) and the plush lining from falling forward, out and (ohhhh noooooo) down under the weight of all that metal?

[Guest Darrell]

They don't make 'em like THAT any more. Sigh!

I've never seen that style of case before. From the slot on upper bottom, it looks like it was intended to hang "in its own frame" from a nailhead in a wall... what keeps the end that opens (which would then be on the bottom) and the plush lining from falling forward, out and (ohhhh noooooo) down under the weight of all that metal?

Hi Rick, yep, these plastic cases were only made during the early 50's through to the 60's. Then replaced by the simulated leather types that were the precursor to the hard-plastic generic types used today.

The lid is kept snug by those 2 brass spring loads you can see at the (top if it were hanging). The plush inside is quite snuggly fitted into the base. It can be removed with a little persuation, but wouldn't fall out or the case lid wouldn't open .. unless it "fell" off the wall

Yes, nice quality these era medals. Nothing like these that you see maufactured by modern GI contracts these days

[Sal]

That is spectacular....

I had a newer piece, 60s or 70s? and could clearly see the lack of detail and quality that is in yours....just lovely. The case is kliller....hard to find let alone in this case and complete.....great find

[achern]

If anyone happens to have an early example for sale, I'm looking for one. Case, ribbon bar, and lapel pin are a bonus.

[Sal]

Textbook BB&B first strike example. Unmarked as issued but the enamel detail and deep finish are telltale BBB. The other tell is the solid, thick suspension bale. You see less robust ones on the second strike VHB (Blackington) strikes and very thin on current strikes coupled with mediocre enamel work.