Likely a one of a kind piece from a prolific U.S. Mint Medalist & early 19th Century silversmith. It remains in excellent condition exhibiting a hit at the makersmark (imaged) and a smaller less noticeable hit an upper corner (not imaged). The top is engraved "M. DAVIS." in a Bookman style font.
Dating: After a prolific career as a contract medalist for the U.S. Mint beginning in 1809, Moritz Furst returned to Europe in November 1841. Taylor Baldwin & Co. was manufacturing between 1817-1841. At its newest this piece would date to 1841.
FURST, Moritz (1782-1847?) Hungarian-American engraver,
medalist, portraitist; contract engraver for U.S. Mint.
Furst was born near Pressburg, Hungary, March 1782, and
studied engraving, diesinking in Vienna, Austria. He was
named superintendent Royal Mint, Lombardy. Enticed to
come to America, 1807, to be engraver at Philadelphia Mint,
but no position available when he arrived. He set up business
as seal cutter, engraver and diesinker in Philadelphia. Furst
holds the record for more medallic portraits – 35 individual's
portraits – than any U.S. Mint engraver on official medals.
After 32-year freelance service to Mint, he returned
to Europe in November 1841 (unknown where, when he
died there). But a widow is listed in 1843 living in Philadelphia.
Furst's medallic life work in America was cataloged by
Chris Neuzil and published in the Coinage of America's
Conference at A.N.S., November 8-9, 1997 [MA2 {1999}].
Breen states that U.S. infantry officers' eagle buttons
dubiously attributed to Furst (but actually copied from John
Reich's eagle). [O12 {1988} Breen p 380]
