Subject: Medals

14k gold and enamel medal awarded to Adolphus S. Solomons, Vice President of the American Red Cross, circa 1880. The cross bar reads "Vice President for the United States", and the back is engraved with his name. The medal features a red cross on a white and blue background. The medal is associated with the founding of the American Red Cross and Solomons' significant role in the organization.

Silver award of merit badge, two-part. The upper pin is inscribed "WALTER R. HERSCHMAN". The lower part, held by a link, is inscribed "AWARD OF MERIT. TEMPLE AHAWATH CHESED RELIGIOUS SCHOOL. 1892". The reverse side is inscribed "JUNE 5TH". Intricate engraving. Likely from the Central Congregation in NYC, Lexington and 55th. Awarded on June 5, 1892.

Bronze Indian Peace Medal commemorating Martin Van Buren's presidency in 1837. The obverse features a bust of President Van Buren with the inscription "MARTIN VAN BUREN PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES A.D. 1837" and the engraver's mark "FURST F." (Moritz Fürst). The reverse depicts clasped hands, a crossed peace pipe and tomahawk, and the inscription "PEACE AND FRIENDSHIP". The medal is 76 mm in diameter and displays a uniform chocolate patina. It is described as being in choice, uncirculated condition. This medal is part of a series of medals created by Moritz Fürst, a Jewish Hungarian engraver and medalist who also created medals commemorating the War of 1812. Additional information about Fürst's life and work, including his creation of dies for decorative embellishments on silverware, is included in the archival description.

Silver commemorative medal celebrating the 250th anniversary of Jewish settlement in America. Minted in 1905, less than five silver examples are known to exist. Two gold medals were presented to President Theodore Roosevelt and former President Grover Cleveland. An additional 36 silver medals and 284 bronze medals were struck. The planned public monument in Central Park was never erected; funds were instead diverted to aid Russian Jews persecuted by pogroms.

Commemorative medal honoring Captain Isaac Hull, captain of the U.S.S. Constitution, for his victory over H.M.S. Guerriere in the War of 1812. The obverse features a bust of Hull, while the reverse depicts the battle. Created by Moritz Furst in 1820. The medal is described as having Hull's bust on the obverse and a rendering of the battle on the reverse. Additional information from the donor describes Moritz Furst's life and career as a Jewish Hungarian engraver, medalist, and portraitist, including his work for the U.S. Mint and his creation of numerous patriotic commemorative medals and portraits. The description also highlights Furst's work on decorative embellishments for silverware.

Commemorative medal by Moritz Furst depicting Andrew Jackson and commemorating the Battle of New Orleans. The reverse side features inscriptions detailing the battle and a resolution of Congress dated February 27, 1815. This medal is one of Furst's series of War of 1812 medals. Moritz Furst (1782-1847?) was a Jewish Hungarian engraver, medalist, and portraitist who worked as a contract engraver for the U.S. Mint. He is known for his numerous medallic portraits and for creating the first recorded American Jewish medal.

Copper medal with silvered surfaces, commemorating Captain William Bainbridge and the U.S.S. Constitution. The obverse depicts a profile of William Bainbridge in naval uniform; the reverse shows the U.S.S. Constitution in action, with Latin inscriptions. Struck in 1817 at the U.S. Mint by Moritz Furst. This medal is one of three appeals to congress by Furst to be named engraver at the Philadelphia mint.

Gold medal presented to I. Cohen on July 28, 1895. The medal is marked "EX PRES AND PRESENTED TO I. COHEN BY THE JULY 28 1895 124" and features letters arranged in a Jewish star. Manufactured by I. Kraus, 122 Clinton St., New York, NY. The medal is in its original box.

14 KT. gold medallion plaque (4 x 2.5 CM) inscribed on one side "Presented by his godfather, J.M. Loewenstein" and on the reverse with the Hebrew symbol for luck and the engraving "Born August 25th, 1868". The medallion has a ring for wearing on a chain. The medallion may be related to the Loewenstein family of Rockville, Texas, with Joseph Loewenstein establishing a business there in 1873. A similar spelling, Loevenstein, appears in *Jews of South Carolina*, suggesting a possible family connection due to the common interchange of Vs and Ws by German Jews. A J. Loewenstein is documented in Beth Elohim records as early as 1818. Further research is needed.

A medal awarded to Charles Cohen by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts in recognition of 50 years of service. The medal was awarded in 1908. Further biographical information on Charles Cohen is available in *The Advocate: America's Jewish Journal*, Volume 50, 1915, which details his life from birth in 1835 to his business career in Chicago and his civic and communal involvement.

This archival object consists of a medal awarded to Ben J. Levy by the Knights of Pythias. The medal was likely presented in New York City in 1880. The medal's inscription identifies Ben J. Levy as the recipient.

A Liberty Bell-shaped medal awarded to Morris Stelz for proficiency, scholarship, and deportment. The medal is circa the 1890s. The medal is housed in Ms. Coll. 1410, M, Box 3, Folder 3.

This congressional report, dated 1824-1825 and finalized in 1829, documents the claim of Moritz Furst, a renowned Jewish Hungarian engraver and medalist, for compensation from the U.S. government. Furst, who was enticed to the United States in 1807 to serve as an engraver at the Philadelphia Mint but never received the position, details his career and the years of appeals to Congress to resolve this matter. The report includes supporting letters from prominent figures, notably a letter of support from President James Monroe dated March 1, 1825, and correspondence from individuals including E.S. Lazarus (uncle of Emma Lazarus) and Aaron J. Phillips, attesting to Furst's qualifications and contributions. The document highlights Furst's significant contributions as a medalist, particularly his work on War of 1812 medals, as well as his skill as a seal cutter, engraver, and diesinker.

A silver bowl, approximately 5.5 inches in diameter, crafted to hold the inauguration medal of Henry Morgenthau Jr. The brass medal, measuring 3 inches, features Morgenthau's portrait on the obverse and the Treasury Building with the date January 1, 1934, on the reverse. The bowl appears to be a uniquely commissioned piece.

Silver-plated medallion commemorating the Ninth Council of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (UAHC), held in July 1885. Side one features the Ten Commandments on a tablet. Side two displays a wreath and the inscription "Union of American Hebrew Congregations." Attributed to John J. Linck, engraver and die sinker. The medallion is holed, suggesting it may have been intended for suspension.

Presentation medal with pin. The pin and medal are engraved with the inscription "SIR MOSES MONTIFIORE MEMORIAL MEDAL; SABBATH SCHOOL TEMPLE OF ISRAEL WILMINGTON, S.C." along with decorative elements. Created in 1880. The medal is part of the archival collection Arc.MS.56, Objects Box 2.