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1777 Benjamin Franklin Nini Terra Cotta Plaque Medallion By Jean-Baptiste Nini

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:1,800.00 USD Estimated At:2,500.00 - 3,500.00 USD
1777 Benjamin Franklin Nini Terra Cotta Plaque Medallion By Jean-Baptiste Nini
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Medals
1777 Benjamin Franklin Terra Cotta Medallion By “Nini” Variety with Franklin Wearing His Famous Beaver Fur Hat
1777-Dated Revolutionary War Period, Decorative Benjamin Franklin Portrait Terra Cotta Plaque Medallion, by Jean-Baptiste Nini, Extremely Fine.
This scarce size 3.5” (92 mm), High Relief Portrait Medallion of Benjamin Franklin is made of Terra Cotta (fired ceramic clay), and bronze finished. These were produced in France by the famous period Sculptor, Jean-Baptiste Nini during the height of Ben Franklin’s popularity with the French as America’s foreign minister. Nini made a small variety of different Franklin medallions in Terra Cotta for sale in both France and America. This variety displays Franklin wearing his famous Beaver Fur Hat, with the inscription, “B. Franklin - Americain.” Nini has both signed and dated in text on the truncation of Franklin’s bust with “NINI - 1777” and added his personal arms as well.

The circa 2005 John Ford Jr. Collection Sale contained two other Terra Cotta Plaques by Nini where one very choice example sold for $5,750 while a lesser quality example sold for $3,220. This current “Nini” Medallion has some light cabinet friction primarily on the high points on the Franklin obverse, the reverse is smooth and it has a small metal loop for mounting at top for hanging on a wall for display as shown. This contemporary Revolutionary War period French Tribute to Benjamin Franklin, is shown here as the most famous and foremost American Statesman to France.