{"product_id":"howard-hughes-memorial-award-medal-999-fine-silver-medallic-art-co-1994-4-685ozt","title":"Howard Hughes Memorial Award Medal - .999 Fine Silver, Medallic Art Co., 1994 - 4.685ozt","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis exceptional .999 fine silver medal is a piece of American aviation history. Struck by the prestigious Medallic Art Co. of Danbury, CT and sculpted by J. Princiotta, it is one of the official medals of the Howard Hughes Memorial Award, presented annually by the Aero Club of Southern California, one of the most distinguished honors in aviation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEstablished in 1978 by William R. Lummis, first cousin of Howard Hughes, the award has been presented to some of the most iconic names in aviation history, including Chuck Yeager, Jimmy Doolittle, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Jim Lovell.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis medal comes from the estate of Eugene Buckley, former President and CEO of Sikorsky Aircraft, one of the world's premier helicopter manufacturers. Buckley played a key role in the development of the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, the iconic U.S. Army utility helicopter that has been a cornerstone of American military aviation since its introduction in 1979 and remains in active service today. His career at Sikorsky placed him at the heart of American rotorcraft innovation for decades. Buckley was associated with the 1994 ceremony and the medal's edge bears the inscription: \"U.S. Army Special Operations Helicopter Design and Development Team 393\", connecting it directly to military aviation history and reflecting the very world in which Buckley built his distinguished career.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe silver itself carries remarkable provenance, the medal was cast from silver mined from Howard Hughes' own Nevada mining operations, adding yet another layer of historical significance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe medal is presented in its original wooden presentation case with blue velvet interior, complete and intact, exactly as it would have been received at the ceremony.\u003cbr\u003eMedal Details:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize: 2 1\/2 inches diameter\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeight: 4.685 troy ounces\u003cbr\u003ePurity: .999 fine silver\u003cbr\u003eMaker: Medallic Art Co., Danbury, CT\u003cbr\u003eSculptor: J. Princiotta SC.\u003cbr\u003eObverse: Portrait of Howard Robard Hughes Jr., 1905–1976\u003cbr\u003eReverse: Allegorical scene celebrating Hughes' legacy — featuring the Spruce Goose, Hughes drill bit, film reel, eagle, globe, and satellite\u003cbr\u003eInscription: \"His vision formed the concept, his courage forged the reality\"\u003cbr\u003eEdge: Full maker, sculptor, and military unit inscription (.999 FINE SILVER Medallic Art Co. Danbury, CT J. Princiotta SC. U.S. ARMY SPECIAL OPERATIONS HELICOPTER DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT TEAM 393\u003cbr\u003eCase: Original wooden presentation case with blue velvet interior\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA rare opportunity for the serious aviation, Hughes, military, or precious metals collector.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Medallic Art Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48093320020138,"sku":null,"price":1200.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/8979\/7290\/files\/hh4_2751ff02-87e3-440f-9d47-f3423375c779.jpg?v=1773087903","url":"https:\/\/homeagainvintage.com\/products\/howard-hughes-memorial-award-medal-999-fine-silver-medallic-art-co-1994-4-685ozt","provider":"Home Again Vintage","version":"1.0","type":"link"}