Medallion with odd emblem and strange symbols - SOLVED!

KLGourley · Mar 1, 2012

This is one of the oddities I found among some of the personal items of my deceased father-in-law. Does anybody have any idea regarding the meaning of the emblem or symbols on it?

Breezie · Mar 1, 2012

Re: Medallion with odd emblem and strange symbols

It resembles caduceus, but not it. Interesting find, Breezie

Charlie P. (NY) · Mar 1, 2012

Re: Medallion with odd emblem and strange symbols

Sort of a Caduceus but with leaves or feathers instead of wings standing on Mjölnir (Thor's Hammer) and with kind of sort of runic letters instead of Greek.

:icon_scratch:

Button from a Viking Dentist?

Bigcypresshunter · Mar 1, 2012

Re: Medallion with odd emblem and strange symbols

All together now: "Whats on the back?"

How thick is it? Is it metal or plastic? Brass or Aluminum? What size is it? :director:

It may be upside down.

bluehunter1973 · Mar 1, 2012

Re: Medallion with odd emblem and strange symbols

google thirty seconds to mars and go from there. I think your answer is in there somewhere

Zephyr · Mar 1, 2012

Re: Medallion with odd emblem and strange symbols

Using the chart of runes in my dictionary, and starting at the top going clockwise, I get
ae - ea - ? - ch - ? - m - b - u - r - (same letters repeat)
The runes on the 'coin' also seem 'reversed'.
Might it be something for making wax seals?

KLGourley · Mar 2, 2012

Re: Medallion with odd emblem and strange symbols

The back of it is very smooth. If you look real close you can see the initials followed by what looks like a copyright symbol. I'm sure it is not valuable, my metal detector indicates it as Zinc. But, it is interesting.

Based on the Google image searches I'm starting to think Charlie may be right. Although I've not been able to find an exact image of what I found, it may well be a representation of Thor's hammer surrounded by runes - most likely a symbol for protection from what I have read.

Not sure I am ready to close this case quite yet though.

Bigcypresshunter · Mar 2, 2012

Re: Medallion with odd emblem and strange symbols

Does it look like it was ever glued to anything? Besides the backside picture, its important to know the size. Im not sure if its dime or baseball size. Im not sure if its as thick as a coin or paper thin. I apologize if I appear rude but this is SOP on this forum. Maybe reading this will help. http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,259110.0.html Its an interesting What Is It. From what little we have to work with, my guess its nickel plated pot metal. The lettering almost looks Phoenician but my guess is fantasy. But im just guessing.

Bigcypresshunter · Mar 2, 2012

Re: Medallion with odd emblem and strange symbols

KLGourley said:
The back of it is very smooth. If you look real close you can see the initials followed by what looks like a copyright symbol.

Can you please take a closeup pic of the initials and copyright symbol you speak of? It sounds like a manufacturers mark and the quickest way to an ID.

Planoite · Mar 2, 2012

Re: Medallion with odd emblem and strange symbols

The symbols are Elder Futhark and are of Scandinavian descent. The runes translate to MSEIPZARKB

No clue other than that.

It is definitely a mirror image of the rune letters.

Mackaydon · Mar 2, 2012

Re: Medallion with odd emblem and strange symbols

I noticed that the left and right sides' letters are idendical; just in reverse order; one set starts at the 'noon' position, the other starts at the 6 o'clock position--and proceeds clockwise--whatever that may mean.
Don....

Bigcypresshunter · Mar 2, 2012

Re: Medallion with odd emblem and strange symbols

Charlie P. (NY) said:
Sort of a Caduceus but with leaves or feathers instead of wings standing on Mjölnir (Thor's Hammer) and with kind of sort of runic letters instead of Greek.

It looks as if Charlie is correct. I still think its a fantasy piece. It could be from one of those modern medievel re-enactntment fantasy groups. I think they call themselves SCA. Society for Creative Anachronism. Myself, I have decided not to search until we are given more to work with and a pic of the manufacturers mark..

Planoite said:
The symbols are Elder Futhark and are of Scandinavian descent. The runes translate to MSEIPZARKB

No clue other than that.

It is definitely a mirror image of the rune letters.

Bigcypresshunter · Mar 2, 2012

Re: Medallion with odd emblem and strange symbols

Gourley was your father-in-law active in medievel re-enactment groups such as the SCA?

KLGourley · Mar 2, 2012

Re: Medallion with odd emblem and strange symbols

I think Charlie and Planoite are correct. My father-in-law apparently collected various mystical talismans and medallions. Most I've been able to identify, but this one was a puzzler. Thanks to everyone that took a look and offered suggestion. It's much appreciated!

Bigcypresshunter · Mar 2, 2012

So what is it lol? :icon_scratch:

and who is the manufacturer? from what era? certainly not from the Middle Ages.

KLGourley · Mar 3, 2012

Based on feedback from fellow members and some image comparison searches I've done, the emblem is indeed a representation of Thor's Hammer surrounded by runic inscriptions. It is a talisman just slightly larger than a Kennedy half-dollar, but it is not old. It is merely a talisman for someone to carry with them for "protection." I'm making it into a belt buckle. :icon_pirat:

Bigcypresshunter · Mar 7, 2012

KLGourley said:
Based on feedback from fellow members and some image comparison searches I've done, the emblem is indeed a representation of Thor's Hammer surrounded by runic inscriptions. It is a talisman just slightly larger than a Kennedy half-dollar, but it is not old. It is merely a talisman for someone to carry with them for "protection." I'm making it into a belt buckle.

OK thanks. If you are satisfied, there is no sense searching any further. My curiosity wants to know more lol.