Commemorative Medallion.
Newark, NJ: Whitehead & Hoag, [1911]. William H. Taft was the first U.S. President to address the Illinois General Assembly -- the Illinois Senate and House of Representatives combined -- and he did so on February 11, 1911; Herbert Hoover was the second in 1931, Jimmy Carter the third in 1978 and Barack Obama the fourth in 2016. Item #47018
This scarce medallion commemorating Taft's appearance consists of a heavy rectangular element of unknown metal, 1" X 1½", bearing a right-facing Lincoln profile labeled "ABRAHAM LINCOLN" beneath and verso bearing backstamp of the noted medallion producer Whitehead & Hoag. This piece hangs from a 1¼" X 1 3/4" red, white and blue ribbed satin flag with "GENERAL / ASSEMBLY / TAFT / FEB. 11, 1911 / SPRINGFIELD" in gilt letters. This in turn hangs from a heavy rectangular (1 3/4" X 3/5") top bearing large "ILLINOIS" in nifty stylized arts-and-crafts typeface with heavy gauge clasp on verso for pinning to a coat lapel. Overall very good. Both metal elements heavily patinaed and satin flag mildly worn, but quite attractive. Uncommon.
Price: $75.00