Bidspirit auction | John Paul Jones (1747-1792) Bronze

John Paul Jones (1747-1792) Bronze Plaquette / Medal by V.D. Brenner - John Paul Jones (1747-1792) Bronze Plaquette / Medal by V.D. Brenner A rare commemorative plaque commissioned by the American Numismatic Society and executed by Victor David Brenner (American, 1871-1924). Obverse featuring a left-facing bust of Jones in uniform above life dates, also signed ”V. D. Brenner” lower right; reverse featuring a winged Fame heralding the passage of Jones' horse-drawn funeral cortege between the inscriptions ”America Claims Her Illustrious Dead” and ”Paris - Annapolis - 1905”. Other markings include the Seal of the ANS and ”BRONZE” foundry mark along one edge. One of one hundred made at the Paris Mint in 1906. Dimensions: 3 1/8” x 2 5/16” x 1/16”. Condition: Minor wear consistent with age and use; generally untouched patina with minor rubbing to high points and a shallow scratch to Jones' nose. Literature: ”American Journal of Numismatics”, Vol. 41, No. 2 (OCTOBER, 1906), pp. 46-47; ”What Remains: Searching for the Memory and Lost Grave of John Paul Jones”, Hornick, 2017. Catalogue Note: John Paul Jones, often referred to as the ”Father of the American Navy”, is well known as a Revolutionary War hero and as one of the greatest naval commanders in US history. Perhaps less well-known is the intriguing story surrounding his untimely death in 1792, the loss and rediscovery of the location of his unmarked grave in Paris, and the long-awaited exhumation and reburial of his body in 1905. To recap briefly, after the end of his service in America's young Navy, Jones spent a few turbulent years in service of Catherine the Great, but he was dismissed in 1789 after multiple Russian Imperial court scandals including allegations of serious impropriety. Exiled to Paris in disgrace, and mostly forgotten by his country, Jones spent a few years trying and failing to find gainful employment before dying of Bright's disease in 1792. Over a century later, starting in 1899, U.S. Ambassador Horace Porter became interested in locating Jones' body. Close reading of historical documents revealed to Ambassador Porter that Jones' body had been interred in a lead-lined coffin, in a farsighted move meant to faciliate easy transport back to the United States when the US government eventually claimed it. Porter was able to use old maps and records to triangulate the likely location of Jones' coffin, which was finally located and exhumed in 1905, after six long years of searching. Later that year, with much ceremonial fanfare, Jones' body was returned to the U.S. The event fascinated the American public so much that the American Numismatic Society decided to commission famous engraver/sculptor/medalist Victor David Brenner to design and execute this medal commemorating the occasion. One singular medal was struck in gold, and a hundred each were struck in silver and bronze. They were sold to ANS members and subscribers through the end of 1906. With such low production numbers, it is easy to see why so few examples survive today in public or private collections; but a couple of them, which were donated in 1907, can be seen at the Metropolitan Museum of Art under accession no. ”07.38”. As we celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary, this medal allows us to examine and re-examine Jones' fascinating story as it relates to issues of cultural patrimony and of our nation's collective memory. Jones' status as a larger-than-life American hero is solidified nowadays, but one need not travel very far back in time to examine a period when his legend was all but forgotten. 3 1/8” x 2 5/16” x 1 1/16” Condition: Condition reports are not provided in catalog descriptions. The absence of a condition report does not guarantee that the lot is in good condition or free from damage and wear. We encourage you to request a condition report and/or additional photos prior to bidding on any lot. We also recommend asking for a shipping quote before bidding. CASH, CASHIER CHECK, MONEY ORDER, AND WIRE TRANSFER ARE THE ONLY METHODS OF PAYMENT ACCEPTED FOR JEWELRY.