I love finding buried treasure in a box of family keepsakes! I inherited two small boxes of photos, albums, and other items belonging to my paternal grandparents. This little medallion was rattling around in the corner of one box.
GM Frigidare Sterling Silver Medallion,
“To Edna on our Wedding Anniversary 1932”
My online search for a General Motors Frigidaire medallion turned up several expired eBay listings for vintage medallion, but I have been unable to learn much about this Sterling Silver medal.
I also found a carefully created photo album inside the box titled “Off to the Coast.” It includes photographs of the couple’s honeymoon trip from Nebraska to California in 1922. This helps identify the medallion as a probable ten year anniversary gift.
This beautiful photograph of Edna and Walter May was not in the box of memorabilia where it might be expected. I found it tucked in the back of my baby book! It’s another example of the way that family heirlooms can become easily misplaced and mixed in with other collections. If my sons had found the photograph some time in the future they would have no idea that this photo featured their great-grandparents.
Edna McClure and Walter George May
I am adding identification on the back of the photo in pencil, and enclosing it in a mylar sleeve. I’ve also printed the photo with a full caption on a sheet of acid-free paper. This is one of those images I don’t want to lose, and I’m recording both the location of the physical photograph and the digital image on my archive catalog sheet.
You are so fortunate to have this wonderful treasure!
A unique medallion & lovely photograph.
What lovely family heirlooms! The photo is gorgeous and the medallion is so pretty. Do you know the back story for the photo? They looked to be in formal apparel, with your grandfather in a white tie.
The medallion is curious. Who knew that General Motors Frigidaire was in the business of engraving and selling silver medallions? Interesting!
I was thrilled to find these treasures, too, Mariann. I'd like to know more about these medallions and hope a collector or fan will find this post and leave a comment! And, yes, a "finder's list" is a must! I like calling it by that name better than "catalog." Makes it sound more like the treasures they are.
Oh, these are both beautiful, and so well preserved. The photo is so clear, and your grandparents so handsome and dignified!
I had no idea that GE Frigidaire medallions even existed. Who thought those up? Sterling silver? that is truly a keeper.
I take note that you are mentioning where all these photographs are. I have archival boxes of documents and photos, and I have to be careful not only to label the boxes but to create a "finder's list" for all the boxes.