Harry Piers: Museum Maker

Notes from Piers Accession Book: Scientific Name: / Common Name:  Photograph of old French, Indian Silver Medal of Louis XV of France, now belonging to Micmac Indian Chief, Matthew Francis of Pictou County, who lives at Pictou Landing, N.S.

Locality and When Collected:  Photographed at Pictou, N.S., during Hector Celebration, 15-21 July 1923.

Collector (c) Donor (d):  Photd. by Munro Photo Studio (J.F. Muir), Pictou 

Received:  1923 Aug. 2

Quantity:  4 & 2 negatives

Remarks:  Same size as original.  Shows both sides.  Diameter (per photo) 2.20 ins. = 55 mm. (no doubt ??? ??? 59 ???)

Obverse:  Bust protrait of Louis XV, with laurel wreath on head, and drapery on shoulders; surrounded by "LUDOVICUS XV, REX CHRISTIANISSIMUS."     "Du Vivier. 7." (designer's name) below bust.

Reverse:  To right figure of Roman soldier, with plumed helmet, and spear in his left hand; his right hand grasping left hand of a partially draped figure to left with spear in right hand and curnucopia at feet.  (These doubtless represent the French and the Indians clasping hands in friendship).  Above, "HONOS ET VIRTUS."  Ring on top edge for suspension.

          See also Acc. No. 5560, the exact diameter of which is 2.20 ins.; diameter of thickness of rim, .17 inch; and weight (without suspension ring), 1416 grams Troy (24 grs. Less than 3 oz. Troy).

Louis XV reigned 1715-1774  ??? ???? Medals awarded to Canadian Indians (Am. Antiq, + Numis. Journal, Jan. 1899, 3rd series, vol. 2, no.1, 10 and 8.  It was issued at least before 1757.  In is a rare medal.

View complete entry from the Harry Piers Accession Book

Date Accessioned: 2 August 1923

Photographer: J.F. Muir, Munro Photo Studio

Reference: Harry Piers number 5295  Nova Scotia Museum Ethnology Collection