Ca. 1909, struck in silver.  Dies engraved by the famous sculptor Bela Lyon Pratt, who also designed the US $2.50 and $5 Indian gold coins.

This medal was struck for 25-year members of the Boston Tavern Club, a social club founded in 1884 (as indicated on the obverse), and whose activities are (according to the club’s website) characterized by a “pervasive sense of humor and occasion”.

In February, 1885, the Club adopted the Totem of Bear as its mascot, who can be seen on the obverse sitting at a table chowing down and having a cold one.

This particular example had been awarded to 25-year member Francis Wilson Lee, as engraved on the reverse.

Quite rare as a medal, with other surviving specimens impounded in the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, as well as the Boston Tavern Club itself.

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