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

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:1,600.00 USD Estimated At:1,800.00 - 3,200.00 USD
1777 Benjamin Franklin Nini Terra Cotta Plaque Medallion By Jean-Baptiste Nini
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. Betts-247, Greenslet GM-5. Near Mint.
This large size 4.5” (115 mm), High Relief Portrait Medallion of Benjamin Franklin is made of Terra Cotta (fired ceramic clay). It was produced in France by the famous period Sculptor, Jean-Baptiste Nini during the height of Ben Franklin’s popularity with the French. Nini made a small variety of different Franklin medallions in Terra Cotta for sale in both France and America. This classic 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 similar Terra Cotta Plaques by Nini, where one in very choice condition sold for $5,750 while a lesser quality example sold for $3,220. This current “Nini” Medallion is in impressive museum quality, excellent for display. It is near Mint having some small nicks inner surrounding decorative ring, a hidden chip at the rear edge, and is complete with its standard mid top rim drilled hole to be ready for mounting at top, or hanging on a wall. Overall, a wonderful example of this historic contemporarily produced Revolutionary War period French tribute to honor Benjamin Franklin, shown here as America’s foremost Ambassador & Statesman to the Court of France.