Watch List notes:

JAPAN. Japan - United States. Olympian Helen Meany/Tokyo Swimming Competition Silver Award Medal, 1928. UNCIRCULATED.
By J. Hinako. Dimensions: 80mm x 80mm x 80mm; Weight: 216.87 gms. Engraved and awarded to Miss H. Meany by the Hochi Shimbun newspaper. Obverse: Three nude mermaids swimming in spiral pattern; a fourth mermaid swimming at a distance in background; Reverse: Engraving in four lines: "Miss H Meany / 1928 / HOCHI SHIMBUN / TOKYO." Edge: Plain, though two loops are present at the top, with original bands threaded through and tied. Includes original wooden case of issue. Quite attractively toned and alluring, with a great artistic allure. A RARE and enticing sporting medal of Japanese, American, and Olympic interest.

The likely recipient of this medal was Helen (Meany) Gravis, who was an American diver who participated in the Summer Olympics in 1920, '22, and '28, winning the gold medal in the 3 meter springboard event in the latter of those three games (held in Amsterdam). The event for which this award was presented likely occurred in September 1928, as there is record of a Japan/US water competition being held in Tokyo and Osaka in September 1927. If that is the case, it would have been awarded to Meany not long after her gold medal at the Amsterdam games, which concluded 12 August 1928.

Estimate: $500 - $750