I believe this medal to be one of the more scarce ever presented by Studebaker. Evidence suggests that it was awarded only to long-time salesmen who had established themselves to be the best of the best. While most such awards were tied to achieving a certain selling quota there is no evidence that this was the case with this award. The medals were 1 1/8” in diameter (29mm) and made of bronze.
The medallion has an interesting history in itself. The obverse side was designed by Lithuania born Victor D. Brenner a noted sculptor, engraver and “medalist.” If you have heard of him you may be a numismatist since he also created the design for the Lincoln penny in 1909. In fact his initials (V.D.B.) can be found on the reverse side of many of the first coins to be minted (still to be seen on Lincoln’s shoulder).
His artistic rendition showing lady liberty standing in a boat while landing was created during WWI on contract for a client who decided not to use it. The Medallic Art Co. who had originally solicited the design nevertheless included it in their standard catalog of designs and it was reportedly chosen by other clients in the 1920’s and 30’s (Brenner died in 1924). Studebaker was a client of Medallic Art and chose the design in 1933 to be incorporated into a medallion with a Distinguished Service theme. The reverse side was quite similar to the quarter-sized employees service anniversary medals (5 years thru 20) issued from 1923-33.
We know from the Studebaker News dealer paper that the very first salesman to receive this prestigious award was Pard H. Smith who had been selling Studebaker products for 25 years (since 1909) for the distributor E. J. Arnstine in Cleveland, Ohio (Image #2below). Remarkably that exact medal has survived and is in the possession of Studebaker memorabilia collector Bob Grove of Temperance, Michigan.
I have two of the medals as shown. They were awarded to George P. and Charles E. Eidam who were brothers operating a very successful distributorship out of Halifax, Pennsylvania. I am aware of only two other such medals though I am sure there may be others. Would welcome input from anyone with similar medals.
As an addendum it might be of interest to note that the Medallic Art Company also made the three different (sized) Studebaker 1952 Centennial medals. They are still in business.
The medallion has an interesting history in itself. The obverse side was designed by Lithuania born Victor D. Brenner a noted sculptor, engraver and “medalist.” If you have heard of him you may be a numismatist since he also created the design for the Lincoln penny in 1909. In fact his initials (V.D.B.) can be found on the reverse side of many of the first coins to be minted (still to be seen on Lincoln’s shoulder).
His artistic rendition showing lady liberty standing in a boat while landing was created during WWI on contract for a client who decided not to use it. The Medallic Art Co. who had originally solicited the design nevertheless included it in their standard catalog of designs and it was reportedly chosen by other clients in the 1920’s and 30’s (Brenner died in 1924). Studebaker was a client of Medallic Art and chose the design in 1933 to be incorporated into a medallion with a Distinguished Service theme. The reverse side was quite similar to the quarter-sized employees service anniversary medals (5 years thru 20) issued from 1923-33.
We know from the Studebaker News dealer paper that the very first salesman to receive this prestigious award was Pard H. Smith who had been selling Studebaker products for 25 years (since 1909) for the distributor E. J. Arnstine in Cleveland, Ohio (Image #2below). Remarkably that exact medal has survived and is in the possession of Studebaker memorabilia collector Bob Grove of Temperance, Michigan.
I have two of the medals as shown. They were awarded to George P. and Charles E. Eidam who were brothers operating a very successful distributorship out of Halifax, Pennsylvania. I am aware of only two other such medals though I am sure there may be others. Would welcome input from anyone with similar medals.
As an addendum it might be of interest to note that the Medallic Art Company also made the three different (sized) Studebaker 1952 Centennial medals. They are still in business.
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