Is Your George Washington 1917 Medal Real? Authentication Guide for Early 20th Century Medallions

Introduction: The Authentication Challenge

With counterfeits flooding the market, knowing the specific diagnostic points for this item is critical. The George Washington 1917 medal presents a fascinating case study in authentication, combining historical significance with the complexities of early 20th century medal production. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting your numismatic journey, understanding how to properly authenticate this piece could save you from costly mistakes.

Historical Context: Washington Medals in the Early 1900s

The early 1900s saw a resurgence in commemorative medals featuring George Washington, America’s first president. These pieces were often created to mark significant anniversaries, patriotic events, or as membership tokens for fraternal organizations. The 1917 date on this particular medal coincides with America’s entry into World War I, making it a potentially significant historical artifact.

During this period, several prominent manufacturers produced Washington medals, including Dieges & Clust, who created notable pieces in 1915. The practice of reusing and copying medallic portraits was common, which adds another layer of complexity to authentication efforts.

Physical Characteristics and Initial Assessment

The medal in question features George Washington’s bust facing left on the obverse, with a blank reverse that has been subsequently engraved. The engraving appears to read “Harry Eisman” with the date 1917 below, suggesting this may have been a personalized membership piece or award.

Initial observations from the forum discussion raised important questions about the metal composition. Several experienced collectors noted that the piece doesn’t appear to be silver, despite the owner’s initial belief. This discrepancy highlights the importance of proper testing methods rather than relying on visual assessment alone.

Critical Authentication Tests

Weight Verification

Authentic early 20th century medals typically fall within specific weight ranges based on their intended purpose and metal composition. Standard Washington commemorative medals from this era usually weigh between 15-25 grams, depending on their size and metal content.

To properly weigh your medal, use a precision digital scale that measures to at least 0.01 grams. Compare your results with known authentic examples of similar size and composition. Significant deviations from expected weights should raise immediate red flags.

Magnetic Properties Test

The magnetic properties test is one of the simplest yet most revealing authentication methods. Most authentic silver medals from this period will not be magnetic, as silver itself is non-magnetic. However, many counterfeits and reproductions use magnetic base metals or silver-plated steel.

Procedure: Use a strong rare-earth magnet and test the medal’s surface. If the magnet strongly attracts the medal, this indicates the presence of ferrous metals and suggests the piece is either a counterfeit or made from different materials than claimed.

Die Markers and Manufacturing Analysis

Authentic struck medals from the early 1900s will display specific die markers and manufacturing characteristics. The forum discussion noted that the surfaces appear “odd for a struck piece,” with speculation that it may have been cast rather than struck.

Key die markers to examine include:

• Sharpness and definition of details
• Presence of die cracks or polishing marks
• Consistency in relief height across the design
• Edge characteristics and reeding patterns

Cast pieces typically show softer details, possible casting porosity, and may have a different surface texture compared to struck pieces. Use magnification (10x loupe minimum) to examine these characteristics closely.

Common Fakes and Reproductions

The forum discussion correctly identified that Washington medallic portraits were frequently reused and copied. Common reproduction methods include:

Modern Cast Reproductions: Often made using lost-wax casting or similar methods, these pieces typically show poor detail definition and may have casting bubbles or porosity.

Silver-Plated Base Metal Fakes: These pieces use inexpensive base metals coated with a thin layer of silver. The silver plating often shows wear patterns different from natural aging.

Altered Date Pieces: Some authentic medals have had their dates altered to appear more valuable or significant. Examine the date area carefully for signs of tooling or metal disturbance.

Advanced Testing Methods

Specific Gravity Test

For a more definitive analysis of metal composition, the specific gravity test can help determine whether the piece is genuine silver or another metal. This test requires careful measurement of the medal’s weight in air and suspended in water.

Silver has a specific gravity of approximately 10.5, while common counterfeit metals like lead (11.3) or pot metal (varies) will yield different results. This test requires precision equipment and careful technique to avoid damaging the piece.

Professional Authentication Services

When in doubt, professional authentication services can provide definitive answers. Organizations like PCGS, NGC, and ANACS offer authentication services for medals and can provide detailed reports on metal composition, manufacturing methods, and authenticity determinations.

Photographic Documentation Best Practices

The forum discussion highlighted the importance of quality photographs for authentication. When documenting your medal:

Lighting: Use diffused natural light or a light box to eliminate harsh shadows and reflections.

Focus: Ensure critical areas like dates, mint marks, and die markers are in sharp focus.

Multiple Angles: Photograph the obverse, reverse, edge, and any areas of concern from multiple angles.

Scale Reference: Include a size reference (ruler or known object) in at least one photo.

Fraternal Organization Connections

The forum speculation about Odd Fellows connections is worth investigating. Many fraternal organizations used Washington imagery on membership tokens and pocket pieces during this period. The personalized engraving suggests this may have been an individual’s membership medal or award.

Research the name “Harry Eisman” and any local Odd Fellows chapters active in 1917 to potentially trace the piece’s provenance and significance.

Preservation and Handling

If you determine your medal is authentic, proper preservation is essential. The forum provided excellent advice about safely removing the piece from its cardboard holder using a wooden toothpick rather than attempting to pull the holder apart, which could damage both the medal and expose sharp staple points.

For long-term storage, use archival-quality holders that won’t react with the metal, and store in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations.

Conclusion: The Value of Proper Authentication

The George Washington 1917 medal represents more than just a collectible item; it’s a potential window into early 20th century American history, fraternal organizations, and medal-making techniques. Whether your piece turns out to be an authentic early 1900s medal or a later reproduction, the authentication process itself provides valuable educational experience.

Remember that even reproduction pieces can have historical value, particularly if they were created during specific periods or by notable manufacturers. The key is understanding exactly what you have and its place in numismatic history.

For collectors, the authentication journey often proves as rewarding as the acquisition itself. By mastering these diagnostic techniques and understanding the nuances of early 20th century medal production, you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions about your collection and potentially discover hidden treasures among seemingly ordinary pieces.

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