Indian Medallion

[Roger Mn.]

This belongs to a friend of mine who bought this some years ago.
He was told they were trade beads 1800's and is 2 foot long. The string is not to old.
The medallion is 1 1/8 inches. Larger than a quarter.
The obverse left is a tomahawk and Indian.
The medallion is brass and a papoose on the left reverse and Indian woman on the right.
I was wondering If anyone has seen this before or knows anything about it or the beads ?
roger

 

[SODABOTTLEBOB]

rodgerdoger ~

I found what was described as a "token" and is almost identical to yours, but it does not have the chain-loop attachment. However, once you read the description that accompanied the picture, I think you will agree that it doesn't help much in fully identifying the piece. It appears the person who posted this on an auction website was just as confused about it is we are. In his description below he refers to it as a Masonic "whatever" token. I think he used the word "whatever" because he didn't know what else to call it. I researched the term "whatever token" and didn't find a single thing that made any sense. If nothing else, at least you know it isn't a one of a kind like this other guy thought his was.

Here is his copy/pasted description ... which is rather confusing to say the least.

~ * ~

DESCRIPTION: This hand-carved artistic creation is most likely a one of a kind piece.
The token is Hand-carved and the size and same thickness, color and metal of an older Masonic token. So I think it is a smoothed down Masonic token that has been hand carved with an Indian on each side. Whatever token was used as a host for the hand-carved Indian images it is has an even patina even in the crevices which means it was most likely carved years ago. The token has the patina of an early 1900s thru 1930's copper coin. The token is nearly the size of a half dollar.

[ I think the guy is totally guessing ]

 

[SODABOTTLEBOB]

I just noticed they are the same but "different." Notice the different positioning of the tomahawk and the pappoose. Plus, the overall imagery itself is totally different. Now I'm even more confused than I was before.

Here's the link to the auction/forum where I found the other one. It is dated June of this year.

SBB

 

[SODABOTTLEBOB]

rodgerdoger ~


~ Inconclusive observations ~

After researching a huge variety of tokens - coins - medallions - etc, I discovered that 99.99% all have "writing" on them. Which leads me to believe your particular item is something else. Maybe a charm - necklace - fob - or something along those lines. I'm totally convinced it was not intended to be used in trade or to purchase anything. But when - by who - and for exactly what purpose is still a $64.00 question! Now I'm going to research the beads and see if I can find a match.

SBB

 

[SODABOTTLEBOB]

I'm giving up on the beads - just too many variations! But it might help to know if they are glass or some kind of stone like onyx. One thing they have going for them is they are flat on the ends, which is characteristic of many Native American trade beads. (I think).

SBB

 

[Roger Mn.]

SODABOTTLEBOB

Thank you for taking the time to research this and finding one that has similarities.

The chain-loop attachment looks to have been part of a fob as if it were manufactured as one piece.
It may have been made that way or could have been carved out of an exesting fob.
They both are similar and could have been made by the same person.

I was told the beads could be German from around 1850's but don't count on it.

 

[HOBO HUGHEY]

I have one of these token/medallions, too: Unfortunately, I have no additional information that will help in identifying this piece. I am a hobo nickel carver, using old coins as "canvasses" for my artwork... and based on what I see when looking at my token, I believe this could be an instance of something similar. In addition to the pieces pictured here, I have seen one other that sold on Ebay a few months ago, so it is clear that varieties exist... and I am convinced that each token is individually "cut", rather than minted or stamped in quantity.

 

[tamrock]

I have one of these token/medallions, too: Unfortunately, I have no additional information that will help in identifying this piece. I am a hobo nickel carver, using old coins as "canvasses" for my artwork... and based on what I see when looking at my token, I believe this could be an instance of something similar. In addition to the pieces pictured here, I have seen one other that sold on Ebay a few months ago, so it is clear that varieties exist... and I am convinced that each token is individually "cut", rather than minted or stamped in quantity. View attachment 1060375View attachment 1060376View attachment 1060377

That 64 Kennedy is awesome. Sounds like your the man to talk to about hobo nickels, love tokens and exonumia.