Original Item. Only One Available. This is a scarce piece of WWI manufacturing, one of the original dies used to make U.S. Victory Medal, one of the most iconic medals of all time. This was used to manufacture thousands and thousands of this most iconic medal.
The World War I Victory Medal (known prior to establishment of the World War II Victory Medal in 1945 simply as the Victory Medal) was a United States service medal designed by James Earle Fraser of New York City under the direction of the Commission of Fine Arts.
Award of a common allied service medal was recommended by an inter-allied committee in March 1919. Each allied nation would design a 'Victory Medal' for award to their military personnel, all issues having certain common features, including a winged figure of victory on the obverse and the same ribbon.
The Victory Medal was originally intended to be established by an act of Congress. The bill authorizing the medal never passed, however, thus leaving the military departments to establish it through general orders. The War Department published orders in April 1919, and the Navy in June of the same year.
The die measures ½ x 2½” and is in fair condition. There is some tape on the die but this is easily removable.
Comes ready for further research and display.