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Women's Auxiliary of the Massachusetts Civil Service Reform Association Presentation Medal

Frances Grimes (American, 1869–1963)
Cast by: Gorham Manufacturing Company (active 1865–1961)
Formerly attributed to: Augustus Saint-Gaudens (American (born in Ireland), 1848–1907)
1904–06

Medium/Technique Cast bronze
Dimensions Overall: 12.6 cm (4 15/16 in.)
Credit Line Gift of Rebecca Reynolds
Accession Number2003.631
CollectionsAmericas
ClassificationsNumismaticsMedals

Catalogue Raisonné Storer 1321
DescriptionObverse: Standing figure of Justice with shield in left hand and the standard and scales of justice in right hand. Raised inscriptions include "•E / •PLVRIBUS• / VNVM•" in a banderole above female figure and "•THE•BEST•/ •SHALL• / •SERVE•THE / •STATE•" that flanks figure at knee height. Reverse: In center of pine branch wreath tied with ribbon at bottom is raised inscription "•THE•WOMENS• / •AVXILIARY•OF THE• / MASSACHUSETTS / CIVIL•SERVICE•REFORM / •ASSOCIATION•" and the name "DONALD F. MERRILL" inscribed below in a rectangular cartouche with two knobbed ends.
InscriptionsRaised inscriptions include "•E / •PLVRIBUS• / VNVM•" in a banderole above female figure and "•THE•BEST•/ •SHALL• / •SERVE•THE / •STATE•" that flanks figure at knee height. Reverse: In center of pine branch wreath tied with ribbon at bottom is raised inscription "•THE•WOMENS• / •AVXILIARY•OF THE• / MASSACHUSETTS / CIVIL•SERVICE•REFORM / •ASSOCIATION•" and the name "DONALD F. MERRILL" inscribed below in a rectangular cartouche with two knobbed ends.
ProvenanceAcquired 2003 as a gift from a friend to donor. Had been purchased at an antique store on the North Shore about 2001.