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

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:2,200.00 USD Estimated At:2,800.00 - 3,800.00 USD
1777 Benjamin Franklin Nini Terra Cotta Plaque Medallion By Jean-Baptiste Nini
Medals
1777 Benjamin Franklin Terra Cotta Medallion By “Nini” Variety Franklin Wearing His Eye Glasses & Beaver Fur Hat
c. 1777 Revolutionary War Period. Uncommon Rare Design Decorative Benjamin Franklin Portrait Terra Cotta Plaque Medallion shown wearing his own famous invention of the Bifocal Eyeglass, plus he is wearing his popular American Beaver Fur Hat. By Jean-Baptiste Nini. Choice Near Mint.
This large size about 3.5” (92 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 variety displays Franklin wearing his famous Beaver Fur Hat and wire rimmed bifocal glasses, yet without the decorative raised surrounding circles. Nini has signed in text on the truncation of Franklin’s bust with “NINI” and added his personal arms as well.

The circa 2005 John Ford Jr. Collection Sale contained two similar, yet far more common designed varieties of Terra Cotta Plaques by Nini. One very choice example sold for $5,750 while a lesser quality example sold for $3,220. This current far more rare “Nini” Medallion is quite impressive. It clearly displays Franklin wearing his own famous invention of the Bifocal Eyeglass, plus he is wearing his popular American Beaver Fur Hat. and of Museum quality for display having just some slight cabinet friction, having no chips or detractions, and with its standard small preparation hole for mounting at top or hanging on a wall. Overall, a wonderful specimen of this rare design contemporary Revolutionary War period French tribute medallion to honor Benjamin Franklin, shown here as the foremost American Statesman to the Court of France.