A silvered token of the Washington Temperance Society, originally founded in 1840 as the Washington Society of Baltimore, and known also as the Washingtonian Total Abstinence Society and the “Washingtonians,” the organization formally adopted the name “The Washington Society of Baltimore” by 1842 and spread to New York, Boston and other cities. Although not a member, Lincoln spoke to the Springfield, Illinois, chapter on February 22, 1842, in an ostensibly apolitical address, but one that scholars have studied for its connections with his other speeches, his thoughts about reason, persuasion and the risks of tyranny, and the development of his political thought.

The organization commissioned several medals from Robert Lovett of New York in the 1840s. This one features a bust of Washington with the motto, WASHINGTON TEMPERANCE SOCIETY and below the bust the name of the engraver "LOVETT N Y." on the obverse. The reverse bears the motto “TEMPERANCE DECLARATION / TEMPERANCE IS THE FOUNTAIN OF HEALTH” around the edge. Inside that is a wreath at top with a pair of clasped hands and the pledge: “WE AGREE TO ABSTAIN FROM ALL INTOXICATING LIQUORS EXCEPT FOR MEDICAL PURPOSES AND RELIGIOUS ORDINANCES.”

The organization seems have faded out in the 1850s. This is in excellent condition with very good color and definition of the raised detail.  [sr]

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