Object Details
- Luce Center Label
- This medal is one of James Fraser’s last medallic works and honors the Pony Express, the legendary mail service that ran from April 1860 until October 1861. The image shows a rider fending off attackers and galloping at full speed to his next stop where a fresh horse awaits him. The inscription “Ten days to San Francisco ” was the Pony Express guarantee for transcontinental service. The reverse side of the medal, with the motto “New Frontiers 1849,” reworks a design originally used on the 1926 Oregon Trail commemorative half-dollar.
- Data Source
- Smithsonian American Art Museum
- Artist
- James Earle Fraser, born Winona, MN 1876-died Westport, CT 1953
- Founder
- Medallic Art Company
- Commissioner
- Society of Medallic Arts
- Date
- 1952
- Credit Line
- Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the heirs of Albert Laessle: Mrs. Albertine de Bempt Laessle, Mr. Albert M. Laessle and Mr. Paul Laessle
- Medium
- bronze
- Dimensions
- 2 7/8 in. (7.3 cm) diam.
- Type
- Sculpture-Medal
