General Swan’s State Military Association Gold Medal.

Description

General Swan’s State Military Association Gold Medal.

The gold medal given by the State Military Association at Albany, is 2 inches high, having a with chased eagle on blue enameled applied shield.  The reverse is marked, “L.B. Swan – 1853 – N.Y.S.M.A.”  There are no jewelers marks; pin bar.   This was given to Swan, the first president of the Association in 1853.  This my very well be a unique item, as so far, I have not found any medal collectors – dealers having any knowledge of these.  It is in excellent condition.

This medal is accompanied by a newspaper clipping of an article concerning Swan after his death; a speech giving by a Colonel Lansing before the State Military Association. Included as well is a letter to Mrs. L.B. Swan from the Association dated June 24, 1862, several months following the general’s death.  Written on Association letterhead, and signed by the Corresponding Secretary, Hiram Roose.  The letter was addressed mistakenly to Mrs Swan who had passed away in 1848.

Also include with the medal is a small oval gutta percha case with a daguerreotype of Swan taken circa- 1855. The gutta percha case of oval, 2 1/4 inches at its widest.  Image and case are excellent.

Lansing B. Swan was born to Joseph and Phebe Swan on May 24, 1809 in Onondaga County, NY.  Swan, in his youth, began is business career as a clerk in Utica, working as a Druggist and Grocer, being soon became a partner in the firm of Hitchcock & Swan, about 1827.  By 1929, with the death of his partner, as sole proprietor, Swan moved to Rochester in 1829-30.  Later he was engaged in a successful water pipe manufacturing business.  Whether a clerk, merchant, public officer, industrialist, inventor, or military officer, integrity and honor marked his character, making him a widely respected man in New York.

General Swan began his military career with the Rochester Union Grays, a local militia company, becoming its first captain and holding that position for 12 years; then a major in the 54th New York Regiment.  In 1851, he was appointed by Governor Hunt, to assume command of the 25h Brigade, 7th Division, SNY; a position he held until his death in 1861.

A scarce, historical piece.