September 5-7, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/7/2023
A nice example of a Spanish American War Sampson Medal. The act of March 3, 1901, authorized the striking of bronze medals commemorating the naval engagements in the waters of the West Indies and on the shores of Cuba during the War with Spain. These medals were distributed to the officers and men of the Navy and Marine Corps who participated in West Indies naval operations from 27 April-14 August 1898. The obverse was designed by Charles E. Barber and shows a bust of Admiral William Sampson. The reverse was designed by George T. Morgan. At the top of the ribbon is a brooch pin with the name of the recipient's ship, USS Brooklyn. The medal was issued for 47 engagements, and some were awarded with 6 or 7 engagement bars. This example features the "B" engraver mark on the obverse engraved on the rim to recipient "GUSTAF M.E. PETTERSON 1 SEA". The Brooklyn was hard fought during the Spanish American War. During the Battle of Santiago de Cuba on July 3rd, in which the Spanish Fleet was destroyed, she was struck 20 times by whole shot. Despite the bombardment, Brooklyn suffered only 1 man wounded and 1 man killed. The medal also comes with a nice photo of the USS Brooklyn with "U.S.S. Brooklin" written on reverse. The medal exhibits a pleasing patina with spots of verdigris on reverse which can be cleaned. Ribbon exhibits fraying in some areas but remains attached to the medal. CONDITION: Good.
ADDENDUM: Photos of rim added.
Item Dimensions: 8" x 6"