William Lawrence Saunders Award for Achievement in Mining (obverse)

Anthony de Francisci, William Lawrence Saunders Award for Achievement in Mining (obverse), ca. 1927, white metal, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Anthony de Francisci, 1966.51.88
Copied Anthony de Francisci, William Lawrence Saunders Award for Achievement in Mining (obverse), ca. 1927, white metal, 3 122 34 in. (8.97.0 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Anthony de Francisci, 1966.51.88

Artwork Details

Title
William Lawrence Saunders Award for Achievement in Mining (obverse)
Founder
Medallic Art Company
Date
ca. 1927
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
3 122 34 in. (8.97.0 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Anthony de Francisci
Mediums
Mediums Description
white metal
Classifications
Keywords
  • Object — foliage — olive branch
  • Object — other — torch
  • Object — other — wreath
Object Number
1966.51.88

Artwork Description

William Lawrence Saunders was the 1915 president of the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers, a chairman of Ingersoll Rand Company, and deputy chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. This award, known today as the William Lawrence Saunders Gold Medal, was established in 1927 and recognizes achievement in mining other than coal. The reverse of Anthony de Francisci’s artist’s strike, or sample, features the name of the first honoree and a pair of crossed hammers, symbol of ore mining. The victory torch at left evokes the smelting of ores in the mills, another process for which this award has also been given.