Confederate Seal Medallion, gilt on copper, 4" diameter. Central image of George Washington on horseback, encircled by a ring of Southern agricultural crops, the outer ring reading THE CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA / 22 FEBRUARY 1862 / DEO VINDICE. The medal is housed in its original 5" x 6" velvet-lined gutta percha case, which is in near mint condition with heavy relief decorations of a patriotic monument, eagles, shield, and angels. Provenance: originally owned by CSA Lieutenant Colonel Garnett Andrews, who later became mayor of Chattanooga (1891-1893) and descended in his family. Note: The original Great Seal of the Confederacy was designed and engraved in London, but did not reach the Confederacy until 1864, shortly before the evacuation of Richmond. The seal escaped capture by Federal authorities and fell into the hands of Col. John T. Pickett, who had a number of copies made in copper, silver and gold plate (gilded examples are the most scarce). The original remained hidden until 1912 when it was purchased by the citizens of Richmond, Virginia. It was loaned to the Museum of the Confederacy in 1915 and formally presented to the museum in 1943. For a similar example, plated in silver, see lot #52, sold in our Oct. 1, 2011 auction. Condition: Medal: some light oxidation around outer edges, overall very good condition. Not examined out of case. Case exterior is in near mint condition. Some slight fraying to edges of velvet interior.