1883 and 1884 Rhode Island Mechanics Association Award Medal. Harkness Ri-20. Silver. Awarded to Civil War Veteran Brevet Brigadier General Nelson Viall. Extremely Fine.

51 mm. 59.0 grams, .971 fine, 1.84 troy ounces ASW. Central reverse inscribed to the recipient AWARDED TO / GEN. NELSON VIALL / OF / PROVIDENCE R.I. / IN RECOGNITION / OF HIS EFFICIENT SERVICES / AS / GENERAL SUPERINTENDANT / OF THE / STATE FAIR / 1883 AND 1884. The website of the Rhode Island Historical Society provides this information on Viall: Nelson Viall was born in Plainfield, Connecticut in 1827. He served in the Mexican War and Civil War. He was commander of the 14th Regiment of R.I. Heavy Artillery, a "colored regiment." He returned to Rhode Island and served as a Representative in the General Assembly. He was the first Providence Police Chief and then for 36 years was Warden of the Rhode Island State Prison. He died May 1, 1903 in Howard, RI. of a kidney infection. A printout with biographical information on Viall is included with this lot.

Estimate: $1500