REF Thread: Sampson Medal (West Indies Naval Campaign Medal, 1898)

[emccomas]

OK, I noticed this cased Sampson Medal on Ebay.

 

I know absolutely NOTHING about Sampson Medals, but I know people who do...ya'll.

 

What do you think about the medal, the case, and the price of this one?

 

[jmpmstr]

Ed,

I have no issues with it, the brooch etc all are right. Case is good as well. I would just ask for the picture of the naming but I suspect it would be impressed vice engraved. I think it is right at retail for the set, personally would not drop more than where it is for the set unless the name bears out something that makes it worthy of more $. Right now the market is high and Sampsons are moving for much more than I think they should be valued at, with that in mind, if you want a Sampson this is a fair deal. I suspect as the auction nears the end the price will drive up beyond what should be fair market. Keep in mind that the case in good condition can be a tougher nut to crack than finding a loose Sampson so this is a good opportunity

[Adam R]

The photos show a 100% correct "phase 1" Sampson medal in its original case. If this medal is giving you bad vibes you might want to find another area in which to collect (and/or offer comments). The opening bid of $1000 is a fair price; the $1500 BIN price is high retail.

[Keith]

I just got this today and have done no research yet. This is a new medal for me which right now I know nothing about. (Different Phases; Value without the ribbon; but with the case etc.). In reading about the other Sampson's I gather the named person is searchable? I would appreciate the education you all could give. Thanks

.

 

[Keith]

More photos:

 

 

[Keith]

last photo

 

[Bob Hudson]

_.

 

[Bob Hudson]

.

[unclegrumpy]

This is a Phase one medal, and would have had two bars...Manzanillo, June 18 and Manzanillo, August 12. A third bar was added for Tunas in Phase III, and the date on the back of the medal was changed to July 1.

[jmpmstr]

As an officer the medal will be valued higher by many collectors as there were less of them than sailors & Marines. The value is diminished by the mounting missing, but IMO if it is a collection piece and I can research it, it is not a show stopper. The case can be found from $300, little less if lucky, so for me that's the gem in this, that you have the case. A nice grab to an officer.

[Usa1918]

Another one outside of my area (Un-Named Sampson Obverse)

[Usa1918]

And the Reverse

[Javelin4life]

When I first started seriously collecting Medals 7 years ago, I always imagine what it would be like to obtain some of the "higher end" Medals. I would see more experienced collectors post their decorations and when I asked about how they acquired them, they would simply reply patience and persistence. I'm happy to say that my persistence and patience has paid off. I am proud to present an item that I've long since wanted ever since I saw a picture of one for the first time: an original cased Sampson Medal (phase 3), attributed to Otto Thorwald Purcell, Machinist 2nd class, who served aboard the USS New York during the Spanish American war. This medal is in excellent shape with a beautiful patina to the planchet and engagement bars, with the correct rim impressed name and rank on the edge of the planchet in an original case.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[jmpmstr]

Actually you got 2 for 1. The case is generally more scarce than the medal save for a few specific ships. Not as costly but harder sometimes to find. As this type 3 would not be in the case you got a great opportunity. When you get a Type 1 or 2 you have a home for it

[KurtA]

Technically speaking, this is a Phase I that was upgraded with Phase III bars. Phase I medals had the deep stamped US Mint naming and a wire catch on the reverse of the ship bar (like this one). Phase II and III's had engraved naming. Phase II's had a flat metal open catch. Phase III's had a locking catch.

So, this medal probably came in that case as a Phase I and it was later upgraded with the additional bars.

 

I don't know how it worked, but I would think that vets with a no bar Phase I Medal upon hearing that 5 bars were now authorized for their ship would want the extra bars. I don't know if the medal would be returned for upgrading, or if they just received the bars and new long length of ribbon. The sew job on yours does look pretty good.

[warguy]

A thread earlier this week by another forum member on a Sampson medal he recently acquired inspired me to post this one. A BIN find from a couple years ago. The seller did a little homework, but wasnt familiar with these and listd it for the price of a Navy one. Domnt know about you guys, but I will buy Marine Sampson medals all day long for Navy Sampson prices. Anyway, didnt think I would ever have the chance, and I enjoy this one immensely. Type I medal, and the Marine is on the muister rolls in Ancestry, and thanks to Kurt, also listed as a Sampson recipient for the USS Indiana in the Gleim papers. Thanks for looking.

[warguy]

Some close ups of the medal and the USS Indiana during the period.

[warguy]

One more

[kanemono]

Here are both sides of the Rundquist Sampson medal.

[Tolzer]

This is a Sampson U.S.S. Harvard Medal.

It is named to WILLIAM GUNTLOCH, F. 2d. C. (Fireman 2nd Class)

I looked at the Ship Roster for the U.S.S. Harvard and could not find WILLIAM GUNTLOCH, F. 2d. C. (Fireman 2nd Class)

I did find: Guntlock, William, F 2nd Cl., 1898, June 22

What does the number 1 represent (to the right of GUNTLOCH at the 6:00 on the Planchette)

Is it possible that the H should have been a K?

[Tolzer]

Image #2

[Tolzer]

Image #3

[Tolzer]

Image #4

[Tolzer]

Image #5

[Tolzer]

Image #6