The 1977 Wallace Sterling Medallion is the seventh release in the long-running annual series produced by the renowned American silver manufacturer Wallace Silversmiths. Each year’s medallion features a unique, highly detailed design rendered in sterling silver and presented in a distinctive padded display box. These ornaments are prized among collectors of fine silver holiday decor, reflecting Wallace’s tradition of craftsmanship and artistry.
The 1977 edition focuses on the enduring Christmas message of peace, hope, and goodwill, symbolized through a beautifully sculpted dove in flight—an emblem often associated with harmony and renewed spirit.
Design Details
Front Design:
Central Motif: A meticulously engraved dove with outstretched wings, symbolizing peace and divine blessing. The sculpting shows fine feather detailing and dynamic motion.
Shape: A teardrop-shaped openwork frame, allowing the ornament to appear airy and light when hung.
Inscription:
Across the perimeter is the biblical Christmas message:
“Peace on Earth” (left arc)
“Good Will Toward Men” (right arc)
The year 1977 appears at the top.
Maker’s Mark: Lower edge features the Wallace insignia and the word “Sterling”, confirming authenticity and composition.
Reverse Side
Smooth polished back suitable for engraving, with additional hallmarks if present on the individual piece.
Presentation & Packaging
The ornament is housed in its original Wallace presentation box, lined with a rich royal blue velveteen pad and accented with coordinating stitched trim.
The box lid insert reads:
“Annual Edition – Seventh in a Series – 1977 Sterling Medallion by Wallace Silversmiths.”
The original protective pouch or leaflet (if included) would typically accompany this edition, often enhancing collector value.
Dimensions & Materials
Material: Solid sterling silver (.925 purity)
Finish: Bright polish with light antiquing to emphasize the engraved details
Approximate Size: Typically around 2.5–3 inches tall (varies slightly by year)
Weight: Light yet substantial, consistent with Wallace open-frame designs
Collectibility
This 1977 medallion is notable as:
The 7th release in the Wallace annual series (begun in 1971)
A highly desirable year due to the classic dove and peace theme
An ornament often collected individually or as part of a continuous series set
Collectors appreciate Wallace ornaments for:
Their consistent sterling purity
Distinctive annual design themes
High-quality craftsmanship
Presentation boxes that add archival and display value
Complete sets and pieces retaining original packaging—like the one shown here—are particularly sought after by holiday silver enthusiasts.
Historical Context
Wallace Silversmiths, founded in the early 19th century, became famous for its sterling flatware and Christmas collectibles. By the 1970s, Wallace’s annual ornaments had become holiday traditions in many households. The 1977 dove design reflects the era’s focus on global peace and spiritual symbolism, aligning with broader cultural themes of harmony and reflection. The ornament is housed in its original Wallace presentation box, lined with a rich royal blue velveteen pad and accented with coordinating stitched trim.
Creator:
Wallace Silversmiths (Manufacturer)
Dimensions:
Height: 3 in (7.62 cm)
Diameter: 2 in (5.08 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Sterling Silver
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
1970-1979
Date of Manufacture:
1977
Condition:
Excellent
The 1977 Wallace Sterling Medallion is the seventh release in the long-running annual series produced by the renowned American silver manufacturer Wallace Silversmiths. Each year’s medallion features a unique, highly detailed design rendered in sterling silver and presented in a distinctive padded display box. These ornaments are prized among collectors of fine silver holiday decor, reflecting Wallace’s tradition of craftsmanship and artistry.
The 1977 edition focuses on the enduring Christmas message of peace, hope, and goodwill, symbolized through a beautifully sculpted dove in flight—an emblem often associated with harmony and renewed spirit.
Design Details
Front Design:
Central Motif: A meticulously engraved dove with outstretched wings, symbolizing peace and divine blessing. The sculpting shows fine feather detailing and dynamic motion.
Shape: A teardrop-shaped openwork frame, allowing the ornament to appear airy and light when hung.
Inscription:
Across the perimeter is the biblical Christmas message:
“Peace on Earth” (left arc)
“Good Will Toward Men” (right arc)
The year 1977 appears at the top.
Maker’s Mark: Lower edge features the Wallace insignia and the word “Sterling”, confirming authenticity and composition.
Reverse Side
Smooth polished back suitable for engraving, with additional hallmarks if present on the individual piece.
Presentation & Packaging
The ornament is housed in its original Wallace presentation box, lined with a rich royal blue velveteen pad and accented with coordinating stitched trim.
The box lid insert reads:
“Annual Edition – Seventh in a Series – 1977 Sterling Medallion by Wallace Silversmiths.”
The original protective pouch or leaflet (if included) would typically accompany this edition, often enhancing collector value.
Dimensions & Materials
Material: Solid sterling silver (.925 purity)
Finish: Bright polish with light antiquing to emphasize the engraved details
Approximate Size: Typically around 2.5–3 inches tall (varies slightly by year)
Weight: Light yet substantial, consistent with Wallace open-frame designs
Collectibility
This 1977 medallion is notable as:
The 7th release in the Wallace annual series (begun in 1971)
A highly desirable year due to the classic dove and peace theme
An ornament often collected individually or as part of a continuous series set
Collectors appreciate Wallace ornaments for:
Their consistent sterling purity
Distinctive annual design themes
High-quality craftsmanship
Presentation boxes that add archival and display value
Complete sets and pieces retaining original packaging—like the one shown here—are particularly sought after by holiday silver enthusiasts.
Historical Context
Wallace Silversmiths, founded in the early 19th century, became famous for its sterling flatware and Christmas collectibles. By the 1970s, Wallace’s annual ornaments had become holiday traditions in many households. The 1977 dove design reflects the era’s focus on global peace and spiritual symbolism, aligning with broader cultural themes of harmony and reflection. The ornament is housed in its original Wallace presentation box, lined with a rich royal blue velveteen pad and accented with coordinating stitched trim.
Creator:
Wallace Silversmiths (Manufacturer)
Dimensions:
Height: 3 in (7.62 cm)
Diameter: 2 in (5.08 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Sterling Silver
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
1970-1979
Date of Manufacture:
1977
Condition:
Excellent
