3560d

Gold Santa Clara College Joseph F. Byrne, 1887 Engraved Gold Medal Pendant [131781]

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / Medals & Tokens Start Price:200.00 USD Estimated At:400.00 - 800.00 USD
Gold Santa Clara College Joseph F. Byrne, 1887 Engraved Gold Medal Pendant [131781]
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Large gold, perhaps 10k or 14k, gold presentation pendant to Joseph F Byrne. “Santa Clara College/ California/ Crossing the Plains/ 1887/49/Joseph F. Byrne” //Eureka/ California State seal. Engraved, gold filigree, The solid portion is 37mm in diameter. The piece does not appear to be solid gold, rather possibly sand or plaster filled. Exquisite detail, no jeweler name. “Crossing the Plains” is in black enamel, and is a laid on tablet with “49” attached below. 32 grams.

Joseph F. Byrne was the son of Thomas Byrne (1808-1898) of Galway, Ireland. The family emigrated to San Francisco during the Gold Rush. In 1851, the Santa Clara College was founded and formed on the grounds surrounding Mission Santa Clara (1777). It was the first California university. A theological based college, Santa Clara College had a number of organizations active for their young men, including the Young Men’s Catholic Union (established there in 1887) and the St. Mary’s Cadet Corps. Byrne was active in both, a First Lt. in the Cadet Corps. Byrne graduated from Santa Clara College June 5, 1888. From there he was off to Baltimore to study for the Priesthood, returning to California and ultimately practicing at St. Mary’s Cathedral in San Francisco, where he gave a rousing speech for the 700 member Young Men’s Catholic Union to “stimulate the spirit of Love of Country” on July 4, 1896. Interestingly, neither father or son was in the census prior to 1890.

The nomenclature on the medal is difficult to interpret. The “49” appears to designate a California ‘49er, though Thomas Byrne is not listed in Bancroft. “Crossing the Plains” also appears to reference a group of California ‘49ers that crossed the plains to get to California. The 1887 date may reference the formation of the Young Men’s Catholic Union, which was formed that year at Santa Clara College.