Commemorative Struck Silver Medal and Case

Title

Object Type

medal

Creator

Azevedo, G.

Date

1841

Description

A commemorative struck silver medal (Brazilin, 1841) and decorative carved wooden case. The medal depicts a bas-relief profile of Pedro II (1825-1891), the second and last emperor of Brazil. "PETRUS II" is inscribed in block letters to the left of the profile, and "BRAS. IMP" to the right. "AZEVEDO G." is inscribed in small block letters below the profile. The reverse depicts the crowning of Pedro II, also known as Dom Pedro II. In the scene Pedro II sits on an ornate raised throne and is crowned by an indigenous person, who with their right foot crushes a dragon. To the left of the scene is "ORDO ET" and to the right is "FELICITAS," together meaning “order and prosperity." Below the scene "18 18/7 41" is inscribed in small numbers, denoting 1841 when the medal was struck, and 18/7 possibly relating to the quality or weight of the silver.

The turned circular wooden case and its cover are contemporary to the piece. The inside of the cover is inscribed by Eliza Hunter Birckhead (American, 1807-1890), the daughter of Senator William Hunter (American, 1774-1849). Senator Hunter, the former owner of Hunter House, served as President Jackson’s charge d’affaires to Brazil from 1835-1843. The script inscription reads: "A medal struck off on the coronation of Dom Pedro 2nd of Brasil + presented to my father Wm Hunter then representing the U.S. as Minister to that county from 1834-1843. I leave it now to my nephew Wm R. Hunter. If he dies without a son it must revert to my grandson, James B. Birckhead or one of his brothers - It is always to be kept among the descendants of the Hunter family. Eliza Hunter Birckhead Nov.br 1884."