An American silver Erie Canal medal, designed by Archibald Robertson, struck by Charles Cushing Wright, 1826

obverse depicts the mixing of the waters of Lake Erie, symbolized by the god Pan, with the Atlantic Ocean, symbolized by King Neptune, the reverse features the New York State Coat of Arms with a view of the canal in the background. Together with a gilt-metal version, a circular wood box with two printed paper labels, and a book: Cadwallader D. Colden, Canal Memoir, 1825. 4 pieces.

silver medal with some wear- softening to decoration and surface scratches- NGC grading is AU DETAILS TOOLED; gilt-metal example with edges a bit rough; wood box with small stabilized crack to cover and with foxing and bubbling to paper inside; book with foxing and some staining throughout, the pages that fold out have some tears to edges and a few with acid-free tape to stabilize tears
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The inscription on the box labels read "This box was made of a piece of wood, brought from Erie in the first Canal Boat The Seneca Chief" and "Presented by the City of New York".

The book, which is inscribed "Wm. A Davis to Genl. Sam. Houston", presumably refers to Sam Houston (1793-1863), first president of the Republic of Texas, who, in 1825, was re-elected for his second term in the U.S. House of Representatives. 

The canal was one of the great engineering feats of the 19th century, overseen by Governor DeWitt Clinton. It connected Lake Erie with the Hudson River and stretched 364 miles. It was started on July 4, 1817 and completed nine years later. Clinton was honored for the achievement by a magnificent pair of two-handled urns by Fletcher & Gardiner given by the merchants of Pearl Street, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.