Western Military Academy Plaque WMA Bronze Alton Illinois 1879 closed in 1971

ITEM SPECIFICS:

• Type: Commemorative Institutional Wall Plaque

• School: Western Military Academy (WMA)

• Location: Alton, Illinois

• Material: Sand-Cast Bronze/Brass Medallion on Solid Red Oak 1940-50 

• Motto: Mens Sana in Corpore Sano (A Sound Mind in a Sound Body)

• Dimensions: Approximately 10.5 Inches (Diameter)

• Era: Mid-20th Century (Circa 1930–1960)

• Weight: Significant / Heavy-Cast Relief

DESCRIPTION:

AUTHENTIC WESTERN MILITARY ACADEMY (WMA) CAST BRONZE CREST PLAQUE

Offered is a high-quality, institutional-grade wall plaque from the historic Western Military Academy of Alton, Illinois. Operating from 1879 to 1971, WMA was one of the most prestigious preparatory military schools in the United States. This plaque features the academy’s eagle crest, crossed rifles, and founding date in deep, sand-cast relief.

THE LEGACY OF THE "LONG GRAY LINE"

This plaque represents the alma mater of some of the 20th century's most pivotal figures. Collectors of WWII and American history will recognize WMA as the training ground for:

• Gen. Paul Tibbets (Class of '33): Pilot of the Enola Gay (Hiroshima mission).

• LCDR Edward "Butch" O'Hare (Class of '32): Medal of Honor Recipient and namesake of Chicago O'Hare International Airport.

• William S. Paley (Class of '18): Visionary founder and Chairman of CBS.

• Thomas Hart Benton (Class of '06): Famous American Muralist and Painter.

MANUFACTURING & TECHNICAL PARTICULARS:

• MEDALLION: Heavy sand-cast construction with a professional stippled field. The metal exhibits an authentic aged patina with original relief polishing on the high points (eagle, lettering, and rifles).

• WOOD BASE: Thick, routed Red Oak base with a traditional honey-lacquer institutional finish.

• CONDITION: This is an honest vintage piece. Please note the natural slight and hard to see   vertical expansion split in the wood at the 7 o'clock position—this is a common occurrence in mid-century plaques where the wood has cured against the rigid metal mount. The medallion remains securely fastened.

• PATINA: Authentic oxidation in the recesses; no modern chemical "re-blacking" has been performed.

SHIPPING & HANDLING:

This item is heavy and will be double-boxed with professional padding to ensure the high-relief bronze does not scuff during transit.

SEARCH WORDS (KEYWORDS):

WMA, Alton Illinois, Military School, Cadet, Enola Gay, Paul Tibbets, Butch O'Hare, Bronze Medallion, Institutional Plaque, 1879, Militaria, US Military Academy, Army Prep, Vintage Sign.