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The Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association Medal The Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Associ

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
The Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association Medal The Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Associ
<B>The Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association Medal PR63 Uncertified.</B></I> Gold, 38.6 grams, 38.25 mm. Plain edge. Dies by Christian Gobrecht. This gold award medal was presented to J.W. Black at the 1869 Exhibition for his photographs of Labrador and photographs of icebergs.<BR> The Massachusetts organization, according to the inscription on the medal, was founded in 1795 and incorporated in 1806. According to the website of the Massachusetts Historical Society, the organization is still functioning today, after more than two centuries. From the MHS website: "The first members of the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association (MCMA) met in Boston, Mass. in March 1795 to draft a constitution and elect Paul Revere as president. The meeting was called to address the problem of runaway apprentices and to draft a petition to the state legislature on this matter, but instead established the MCMA as an organization to promote the mechanical arts and provide funds for members' widows and families."<BR> James W. Black was apparently a well known 19th century photographer in Boston. At www.celebrateboston.com is an image of an 1860 aerial photograph of Boston, taken by Black while riding in a hot air balloon. This is billed as the first aerial photograph taken in the United States. Housed in a black leather case with plush purple interior.