Copper, enamel medal, EA logo, circa 1890, Asheville, NC equestrian?

[Obscurist]

I dug this item today and hope it can be identified.

It comes from an area west of Asheville, NC where there have been several hotels, the last burned in 1892. This last resort was built by Edwin Carrier of MI who also built a horse racetrack in the area at that time. I can't decide if the item shows signs of having been in the fire.

It is just slightly larger than a quarter and the pale material visible in the ring and logo are apparently what remains of some sort of enamel. The medal itself seems to contain copper (green discoloration, red rust color and black). There are no visible markings other than the "EA" logo and I can't make out the items depicted, though one person who had a look at it suggested the narrow item (marked with red in pic) resembles a riding crop... and perhaps an English saddle and riding gear. One guess is that EA might represent Equestrian Association...?

The item is obviously quite worn and deteriorated, might have contained some writing, now lost, in the ribbon depicted along the bottom.

 

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[Woodland Detectors]

Hey! Im just west of asheville too! Im 5 minutes from those old hotels your talking about. This is where I find most of my things! I dont know what it is you have there but, it is interesting! Go see the folks at the swannanoa valley museum ill bet they can help you... mike

 

[DCMatt]

Could be an artist's paint palet with brush and palet knife across it. Maybe FA for "Fine Arts"...?

Just guessing.

Can you post a pic without your outline on it?

DCMatt

 

[Monty]

I played with the picture a little and about all I could make out was the garland ar both sides, a couple of fold over clips bent forward and the "FA". I couldn't tell what the objects were due to the red mark covering them up. I'm guessing some kind of track or athletic contest medal? Monty

 

[Obscurist]

I posted late last night when the real family photographer (i.e. the wife) was bound for bed... so today I have much better images to offer... sans my crappy red outlines Thanks for the intial feedback, and sage, I sent and email to the Black Mt. R.A.R.E group through the webpage. If you missed it, or want to get in touch with me, I think my email is public in my profile anyway, so here it is: obscurist at yahoo dot com. I'd like to talk over local history/sites with you.

 

[DCMatt]

No question now. It is a palette, brush, and tube of paint. You can almost see some of the paint colors on the palette.

I suspect it is an award for amateur art.

DCMatt

 

[seger98]

No question now. It is a palette, brush, and tube of paint. You can almost see some of the paint colors on the palette.

I suspect it is an award for amateur art.

DCMatt

I see it now that you point those things out! I bet you're right!

 

[Obscurist]

No question now. It is a palette, brush, and tube of paint. You can almost see some of the paint colors on the palette.

I suspect it is an award for amateur art.

Good eye! I can even make out a little thumb notch in the lower right corner of the palette. Now I'll be scouring eBay for vintage art award medals etc and hope I can locate a perfect matching example that hasn't spent all those years in the dirt.

Thanks for looking and I'll hold out for specifics... Interesting find... good back story... great location. I'm very happy with my first find of any potential historical significance. Just got my first md, Garrett Ace 250, for Christmas at the recommendation of a member here when asked, "What's a good starter machine?" I love the little gadget, and I'm sure with a little practice she'll keep me happy for a while.