Historic Ebony and Silver Ceremonial Gavel or Mallet. David Riesman. Philadelphia, 1923

This beautiful ebony and silver gavel, delicate and decorative, is a very interesting item: not just because of its aesthetic and the valuable materials it is made of, but also because it belonged to a relevant personality from the city of Philadelphia, in the field of medicine. The gavel is in good condition and, as we can read in the inscription engraved in the silver band, it was given to its owner in 1923.As stated before, it is made of turned ebony wood and bears embossed silver applications in the top central part. The silver band that covers the center of the gavels head is engraved with a dedication, elegantly reproduced in capital letters. The inscription is clearly legible: PRESENTED BY THE PHILADELPHIA COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY TO DR. DAVID RIESMAN PRESIDENT 1923. Thanks to these words we know that the gavel was given to Dr. David Riesman to commemorate his presidence of the Philadelphia County Medical Society.David Riesman was a noted physician, and a professor of clinical medicine and history of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School. His son, David, Riesman (1901-2002) was a famous sociologist and psychologist that wrote great books such as The Lonely Crowd: A Study of the Changing American Character. This book, written with Reuel Denney and Nathan Glazer, became a best-seller in the 1950s. For these reasons, the gavel we can see in the images is a very special article. It is a reproduction of the mallet used by presidents and dignitaries to begin and end the meetings, something that very probably Dr. David Riesman did as the president of the Medical Society. The ebony handle is well preserved, and at the point where it joins the head has a wide embossed silver band with punched decorative motives. The contrast between the deep black color of the wood and the clear shine of the metal turns this gavel into a wonderful piece.This magnificent gavel is a historically relevant item and a beautiful piece that will shine anywhere it is exhibited.Measurements: Width: 3.1 in/8 cm. Length: 10.2 in/26 cm.