Watch List notes:

Santiago, Cuba, large white-metal medal, 1859, Eastern Department Commander General Don Carlos de Vargas Machuca, by E. Kessler. 38.01 grams, 51mm. Obverse with six-columned building with clock at top below three-line legend SE INAUGURO / SIENDO COMANDANTE GRAL DEL DEPARTAMENTO ORIENTAL / EL EXMO S~OR DON CARLOS DE VARGAS MACHUCA, engraver's name E. KESSLER at bottom rim; reverse with nine-line inscription of supporters of the Commander General. XF with traces of luster but lots of marks and nicks as expected for a softer metal. This medal must be very scarce, as we cannot find any other examples sold at auction. Don Carlos was a military leader during the First Carlist War in Spain (1833-39) and later distinguished himself not only as the governor of eastern Cuba but subsequently as governor of Santo Domingo in 1863-4 before returning to Spain.
($500-$1,000)