 Major General Zachary Taylor. The Louisiana Medal. J.MI.25. Silver. Uncirculated. Prooflike. 76.2 mm. 3,134.5 gns. (202.85 gms.). Both the obverse and reverse are deeply toned in a rich coin silver gray with highlights of iridescent blue and rose, particularly dramatic on the reverse where the center is bright and the rims are offset a darker shade. Well struck on both sides, as expected, with full detail showing in the pelican's breast feathers on the obverse and the ranks of American attackers in the center of the reverse. Traces of old finger spots on both sides, corrosion line on the reverse from the rim at about 6:00 running up towards the viewing American officers in the middle right foreground. Accompanied by its original black leather case of issue, purple plush lined.
Rare: there are probably no more than 15 of these surviving. The cataloguer has records of only nine different medals. These were struck by order of the State of Louisiana by H.E. Baldwin & Co. of New Orleans. The dies were designed by P.P. Duggan and executed by C.C. Wright. The obverse design is striking in its simplicity. This medal was described by Wayte Raymond in the Wilson sale as ''Original silver medal given to one of Gen. Taylor's officers.''
Ex W.W.C. Wilson Collection (Wayte Raymond, November 16, 1925, lot 827); Raymond Estate.
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