Can This George Washington 1917 Medal Be Made Into Jewelry? A Crafter’s Guide

Historical Significance

As a coin ring artisan, I’m always on the lookout for unique pieces that can be transformed into wearable art. This George Washington medal from 1917 presents an interesting opportunity, though not without some challenges. The medal features a left-facing bust of Washington, a classic portrait that has been used and reused throughout American numismatic history.

Metal Composition Analysis

The first question any jewelry crafter must ask is: what metal am I working with? Several forum members noted that this piece doesn’t appear to be silver at first glance, though the original poster believed it was. This uncertainty is common when examining older medals, as many were produced in various metals including bronze, brass, copper, and occasionally silver.

Without proper testing, it’s difficult to determine the exact composition. However, for jewelry making purposes, we need to consider the metal’s hardness and workability. If this is indeed silver (which would be ideal for crafting), it would likely be sterling silver (.925 fine) or coin silver (.900 fine), both of which are excellent for ring making due to their malleability and durability.

If the medal is made of a base metal like bronze or brass, it would still be workable but might present different challenges. These metals can be harder than silver and may require more effort to shape properly without cracking or splitting.

Design Details and Aesthetic Appeal

The uniface design with Washington’s bust offers a strong focal point for jewelry. The left-facing profile is dignified and recognizable, making it an excellent choice for a statement ring. The medal’s diameter appears substantial enough to create either a wide band or a smaller accent piece, depending on the desired final product.

However, the reverse side presents a complication. As noted in the discussion, the blank side has been previously engraved with the name “Harry Eisman” and the date 1917. This personalization adds historical interest but also means we’d need to carefully consider which side to feature in the final piece. The engraved side could potentially be smoothed and polished, though this would remove the historical personalization.

Potential Odd Fellows Connection

One forum member suggested the possibility of linked rings visible on the medal, which might indicate an Odd Fellows connection. This is an intriguing possibility, as fraternal organizations often used Washington imagery in their regalia and membership pieces. If this is indeed an Odd Fellows pocket piece, it would add significant historical value and make for a particularly meaningful piece of jewelry for someone connected to that organization.

The potential fraternal connection would also influence the crafting approach. Rather than completely transforming the piece, a skilled artisan might choose to preserve its original character while adapting it for wearability.

Manufacturing Method Considerations

The discussion raised an important point about the medal’s manufacturing method. The surfaces appear unusual for a struck piece, leading to speculation that it might be cast rather than struck. This distinction is crucial for jewelry making.

Cast medals typically have a different grain structure than struck pieces, which can affect how they respond to metalworking techniques. Cast items may be more prone to porosity or internal flaws that could become apparent during the forming process. However, they also tend to be more uniform in thickness, which can be advantageous when creating rings.

Authentication and Dating

The 1917 date provides a clear timeframe for this piece. One forum member noted similarities to a Dieges & Clust medal from 1915, suggesting this might be from the same period or possibly a copy. Dieges & Clust was a prominent manufacturer of military and fraternal jewelry and medals during this era.

For authentication purposes, examining the medal’s edges, weight, and overall craftsmanship would be essential. The similarity to known Dieges & Clust products could help verify authenticity, though the differences noted suggest this might be a different manufacturer or a later copy.

Crafting Potential Assessment

Based on the available information, this George Washington medal has moderate to good potential for jewelry making, with some caveats:

• Metal uncertainty: The composition needs verification before beginning any crafting work
• Engraving consideration: The personalized engraving adds character but may need to be addressed
• Manufacturing method: If cast, extra care will be needed during forming to avoid issues
• Historical value: The potential Odd Fellows connection and personalization add collectible value

Recommended Approach for Crafters

If you’re considering turning this medal into jewelry, I would recommend the following approach:

1. Verify the metal composition through professional testing
2. Carefully document the current state with high-quality photographs
3. Decide whether to preserve or remove the engraving based on your aesthetic preferences
4. If proceeding with ring making, consider using the Washington side as the outward-facing element
5. Work slowly and carefully, especially if the piece is cast rather than struck

Conclusion

This George Washington 1917 medal presents an interesting opportunity for the creative jewelry maker. While there are some uncertainties regarding its composition and manufacturing method, the historical significance and classic design make it a promising candidate for transformation into a unique piece of wearable art. Whether you choose to preserve its fraternal connections or focus on the Washington portrait, this medal offers the potential to create something truly special that bridges history and contemporary craftsmanship.

The key to success will be careful evaluation of the metal, thoughtful consideration of which elements to preserve, and skilled execution of the transformation process. With proper care and attention, this piece could become a treasured ring that honors both American history and the art of jewelry making.

Related Resources

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