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"Biographical Sketch of General George Washington" by Jedediah Morse (father of telegraph inventor Samuel F.B. Morse) Newspaper ADVT. Offering (JACOB) “PERKIN’S celebrated WASHINGTON MEDALS, Gold, Silver, And Composition...”

March 8, 1800-Dated, Newspaper, “The Providence Gazette”, with an Ad for George Washington Medals For Sale: (Jacob Perkins, Newburyport, MA.) “PERKIN’S celebrated WASHINGTON MEDALS, Gold, Silver, And Composition...” with a Front page article titled, "Biographical Sketch of General George Washington" by Jedediah Morse, Providence, RI., Fine.

March 8, 1800 historic rare issue of "The Providence Gazette", containing an extensive early biography of George Washington, less than 3 months after his death. This well preserved and well printed newspaper measures about 11” x 17.25”, 4 pages complete.

Numismatists, Presidential, George Washington, and Historic Medal Collectors alike, will be excited and amazed to find an important Advertisement on the back page, 3rd column near center, by merchant David Vinton. This current period advertisement being proof that the Perkins’ George Washington Funeral Medals were more widely distributed and available for purchase by the general public than generally known. Here, Vinton is offering for sale:

“He is in Glory - and the World in Tears!” - “PERKIN’S celebrated WASHINGTON MEDALS, Gold, Silver, And Composition ; impressed with the Likeness, the Initials, the Dates of the Birth, Death and principle Events in the History of the immortal WASHINGTON.” This ad concludes with the statement: “These Medals are worn in Boston, particularly by Children of all Classes. / Providence, Feb. 1, 1800.”

Its front page article, "Biographical Sketch of General George Washington" by Jedediah Morse (father of telegraph inventor Samuel F.B. Morse), takes up nearly the entire front page (3 of 4 columns), and continues on page 2. Also of significance are the official reports of Commodore Thomas Truxton, Commanding the frigate USS Constellation, regarding his Naval Battle against the French Frigate Vengeance on Feb. 1, 1800. This report includes a list of the killed and wounded on board the USS Constellation - these take up a half column on page 2 and 1.5 columns on page 3.

Also of interest, includes the Rhode Island General Assembly’s “Act to Establish Free Schools,” which established the Public School System in the State, taking up 1.5+ columns, printed on page 2. There is a small .5" horizontal front page centerfold split at left and a larger 1.75" fold split at right. Overall, a well printed and clean appearing newspaper from 1800 with much more contemporary news and advertising. First we have seen having specialized in this field of collecting for nearly half a century!

Additional Information:

George Washington died on December 14, 1799. Two major funeral processions were held in Boston, the first was sponsored by the Masonic Lodge on Feb. 11, 1800, while the second was a general procession on February 22, 1800.

According to numismatist Baker, the Newburyport diemaker Jacob Perkins engraved and produced the Gold, Silver, White Metal and Pewter struck medals for each event. The two Funeral Medals have similar obverses.

The reverse of the medal for the Masonic procession, Baker 165, contains a legend in four lines with a small Skull and Crossbones at the bottom. The reverse of the medal though to be struck for the general procession, displays a legend in two lines with an Urn at center.

A collector discovered the Boston Masonic Lodge still owns an Urn made by Paul Revere that contains a lock of George Washington’s hair. In the diary of the Reverend William Bently, who gave the funeral sermon for the Mason’s event there is a mention of Perkins, "on this occasion so well known for his excellent medals ... of our General Washington."

From this information and the prominence of the Urn in the procession, evidence suggests both Washington Funeral medals were produced for and sold at the Masonic Procession. This current advertisement is proof that Perkins Medals were more widely distributed, and available for purchase, by the general public.

Item #113608 • Price: $3,250.00 • Add to Cart • Make Your Best Offer...

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