American Red Cross War Council Medal (Cleveland Museum of Art 1921.1724)
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1920
This medal was the 42nd issue of the American Numismatic Society and co-issued by the American Red Cross in 1920. It was first struck in gold for the 12 members of the council of prominent New York businessmen who had advised the American Red Cross on its work during the First World War. Then 4 more were struck in silver and 205 in bronze, the group from which this medal comes. Cleveland Museum of Art object 1921.1724: American Red Cross War Council Medal, 1920. Daniel Chester French (American, 1850–1931), Medallic Art Company (American). Bronze; diameter: 7 cm (2 3/4 in.). Inscribed: Obverse: impressed DCF [Daniel Chester French] under the image of a soldier facing left Reverse: raised letters THE AMERICAN RED CROSS/TO COMMEMORATE THE VISION AND/ACHIEVEMENT OF THE WAR COUNCIL/1917-1919; signed below the cross, impressed WHL/DCF [Rev. William H. Lowe/Daniel Chester French]. Details are those of this museum object; how far it represents a wider type has not been independently verified.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 3
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
The initials of artist Will Hicok Low (1853-1932) are inscribed on the reverse because he advised French to place the nurse in front of the soldier in the composition.
Physical characteristics
- Materials
- bronze
- Dimensions
- Diameter: 7 cm (2 3/4 in.)
- Measurements
- Diameter: 7 cm (2 3/4 in.)
- Material and technique
- bronze
Design
- Inscription
- Obverse: impressed DCF [Daniel Chester French] under the image of a soldier facing left Reverse: raised letters THE AMERICAN RED CROSS/TO COMMEMORATE THE VISION AND/ACHIEVEMENT OF THE WAR COUNCIL/1917-1919; signed below the cross, impressed WHL/DCF [Rev. William H. Lowe/Daniel Chester French]
Identification
- Date recorded
- 1920
- Culture period
- America
- Maker recorded
- Daniel Chester French (American, 1850–1931), Medallic Art Company (American)
- Museum attribution
- Daniel Chester French (American, 1850–1931); Medallic Art Company (American)
- Holding institution
- Cleveland Museum of Art
- Museum object number
- 1921.1724
- Museum classification
- Metalwork
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: this record describes a single museum object; confirm medallist, edition and restrike status against medallic references.