Official Medal of the 1935 Connecticut Tercentenary

[leeg]

This medal arrived yesterday:

 

 

I'm still waiting to find the right 1935 Connecticut Half Dollar for my set.

 

Some history behind the medal:

 

"The official souvenir medal to commemorate Connecticut’s Tercentenary will be issued, under present plans, about November 1, this year.

 

It will be in bronze and about three inches in diameter. The design is by Henry G. Kreis (designed the half dollar also), the well known artist, who has co-operated with Paul Manship in producing some of the outstanding medals of recent years.

 

On the obverse of the medal is a group of early settlers dominated by the tall figure of Thomas Hooker, and there is a scroll on which appears the phrase ‘Connecticut 1635 – 1935.’

 

A somewhat modernized representation of the coat of arms of the State appears on the reverse. The three vines with the nine clusters of grapes are shown, and among the vines, vertically placed, are the words ‘Religion,’ ‘Law,’ ‘Education,’ representing Connecticut’s traditional adherence to ‘Religion in a deep sense, Education in a broad sense, and Law in common sense.’ Below these words is the motto ‘Qui Transtulit Sustinet.’ About the circumference runs the phrase ‘Three Centuries of Self-Government Based on Constitutional Liberty’ in recognition of the fact that there has existed in Connecticut for three hundred years a form of self-government which followed the principles expressed in the Fundamental Orders of 1639.

 

The first 100 or so of the medals will be numbered in the order in which they are struck off and will be packed in attractive cases, making a most pleasing and valuable souvenir of the Tercentenary celebration. These will be sold for $5.00 each. The others, about 1,800 or 1,900, will be for sale later at $1.00 a piece. Mail orders are now being taken at the office of the Commission and all applicants will be advised when the medals are ready for purchase and distribution.

 

A Tercentenary Medal Committee has been in charge of the work securing a souvenir of the celebration. Many designs were considered and much historical research was conducted. The chairman of the committee is George Dudley Seymour of New Haven. Mrs. H. A. Perkins of Hartford is secretary, and the other members are Mrs. Charles a. Goodwin of Hartford, Miss A. B. Jennings of Fairfield, Bancel LaFarge of Mt. Carmel, and Theodore Sizer and Alfred R. Balinger of New Haven."1

 

 

1. Connecticut Tercentenary Bulletin No. 1, October 11, 1934, p. 1.

 

 

"Description:

The medal shows, on the obverse, a group of men and women – the founders of Connecticut – dominated by the commanding figure of Thomas Hooker holding the Fundamental Orders. At his side sits his invalid wife, Susannah. These early settlers of Connecticut were God-fearing men and women, ‘sprung from Earth’s best blood,’ bred in the most advanced thought and ideals of their age. They had the strength of mind and will to achieve their ends. Men and women of this character established in Connecticut self-government which has stood for three centuries. The legend ‘1635-1935 Connecticut 300 years’ springs from the very heart of the medal – an innovation in the medallist’s (sic) art.

 

The reverse of the medal shows the transplanted grapevines of the State Seal, and the motto, ‘Qui transtulit sustinet’ – ‘He who brought us hither sustains us.’

 

Expressive of the established traditions of Connecticut, yet quite modern in technique and feeling, the medal was designed by Henry Kreis of Essex, Connecticut, as Public Works of Art Project No. 20 for New Haven. It was struck by the Medallic Art Company.

 

Distribution:

The supply of medals is limited and already the number of sales is large. The rest will be sold to those who apply first. About two hundred are numbered in consecutive order and because of their special value are being sold in attractive boxes for $5.00 each. The others, exactly the same except that they are not numbered, are also attractively packed, and are for sale at $1.00 apiece. There will be a postage charge on orders filled by mail. If the applicant desires the medal sent by first class mail and registered the charge will fifty cents; if sent by parcel post and insured, the charge will be fifteen cents."2

 

2. Connecticut Tercentenary Bulletin No. 2, November 10, 1934, p. 1.

 

 

[Zoins]

Thanks for posting! That looks like a great medal. I love the design and significance.

 

I have to ask - is yours a first strike, as in is it numbered?

[leeg]

Thanks for posting! That looks like a great medal. I love the design and significance.

 

I have to ask - is yours a first strike, as in is it numbered?

 

Thank you, it has a great patina.

 

No number, edge just has Medallic Art Co. on it.

[BillJones]

Interesting...

 

I did not know that this piece existed. Thanks for posting this.

[RWB]

Very nice medal and background information! Good example of Art Deco bas relief.

[johnny9434]

that looks pretty darned good. i like that one

[leeg]

Thanks all for the comments.

 

(thumbs u