September 5-7, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/7/2023
A nice set of medals, including a Sampson Medal and West Indies Campaign Medal. The act of March 3rd, 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 April 27th - August 14th, 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 Massachusetts. The medal was issued for 47 engagements, and some were awarded with 6 or 7 engagement bars. This example is engraved on the rim to recipient "JOHN PETTERSON. SEA. U.S.N." and features 4 Santiago engagement bars dated on reverse from top to bottom: June 6, June 16, July 2, July 4. The West Indies Campaign Medal was issued to Navy and Marine Corps members for service in the West Indies campaign theater of the Spanish–American War. This example is numbered "2605" on the rim. During the Spanish American War, the USS Massachusetts was part of Admiral Schley's Flying Squadron and took part in the blockade of Santiago de Cuba, occasionally bombarding the harbor forts. The medal exhibits a pleasing patina with nice intact ribbon. West Indies Campaign Medal features a similar patina with nice intact ribbon. CONDITION: Very good.
ADDENDUM: Photos of rim added.
Item Dimensions: 8" x 6"