United States. A French & British War Commission Medal 1917, Silver Grade, Rare

In silver, weighing 113.4 grams, numbered "82" and maker marked "MEDALLIC ART CO. N Y." on the edge, obverse illustrating Victory wearing a helmet decorated with the lilies of France, the oak leaves of Great Britain and the pine of the United States, surrounded by the inscription "TO COMMEMORATE THE VISIT TO NEW YORK OF THE FRENCH AND BRITISH WAR COMMISSION 1917", engraver marked "D.C. FRENCH" (Daniel Chester French), reverse illustrating an allegorical group of three standing figures, with a female Liberty holding a sword at the far right, greeting figures of Joan of Arc and a Medieval Knight bearing a shield, representing France and England, all with their right arms extended forward and their hands resting upon one another in the centre, engraver marked "E.B. LONGMAN / S.C. 1917" (Evelyn B. Longman), measuring 63.5 mm in diameter, very light contact, extremely fine. In its circular cardboard container of issue, exhibiting wear and soiling, the bottom partially separated from the sidewall, container near fine.

Footnote: The United States officially entered the First World War in 1917 and quickly tried to co-ordinate the war effort with the European allies. The French and British delegations were first to arrive and were given a spectacular reception. New York mayor John Purroy Mitchel had put together a Committee of Reception that was in charge of organizing the event. As part of the activities, the committee and the American Numismatic Society (ANS) teamed up to issue this commemorative medal. They engaged Daniel Chester French and Evelyn B. Longman to design the two sides of the medal. Longman was one of French's students and the first woman sculptor to be elected a full member of the National Academy of Design in 1919. The medal was produced by Metallic Art of New York, each of which were numbered. It was issued in three grades: Gold (5 issued), Silver (109 issued) and Bronze (171 issued).