This is an original circa 1940 22nd issue of the prestigious Society of Medalists series done by Walter Hancock. The obverse features two muscular men raising a fluted pillar marked above, “THERE WILL BE OTHER TOWERS” below marked “(circled 19) FOR THEE TO BUILD (circle 40)” and in the artwork copyright Hancock. The reverse shows a shattered oak stump with two hardy well-leafed shoots having the sun rising behind them. Hancock’s design was an optimistic view during the early years of World War II. Medallic Art Collector noted, “His message was that renewal and creation will surely follow death and destruction.” Hancock noted about this bronze, “As the earth renews itself after the ruin of storm, so man must rebuild his towers -material and spiritual- after the wreck of war.” The medal is marked on the rim, “THE SOCIETY OF MEDALISTS TWENTY SECOND ISSUE 1940 – WALKER HANCOCK SCULPTOR” and MEDALLIC ART CO. N.Y. BRONZE”. The medal is 73mm in diameter and was struck by Medallic Art Company of New York with a reported production of 894. This example is in the original box marked “THE SOCIETY OF MEDALISTS” and “Medallic Art Co. Danbury, Ct.” The medal also has the original finish on it, with some slight wear on the tree stump itself, one of the only examples personal or museum collection in this fine of original condition and in the original box. Other examples show a more bare bronze metal finish. One of the only other similar Walker Hancock medal examples we could find sold for nearly $1,000 at Heritage Auction a few years ago. Box itself measures 3 1/8” by 3 1/8”. The weight is 190.1g.