1900 PARIS EXPOSITION GAMES (2ND OLYMPICS) GOLD WINNER'S MEDAL FOR FIREFIGHTING

Presented here is an incredible gold "Firefighting" winner's medal/plaque from the 1900 Paris Exposition Games (aka, The World's Fair), which lasted from May 14 to October 28, and were later credited as the 2nd Modern Olympic Games following the 1896 Olympics in Athens, Greece. The organizers so under-promoted the Olympic status of the competitions that many of the athletes never knew they were participating in Olympic events.

This gold plaque was awarded to a firefighting participant, as referenced by "Concours De Sapeurs-Pompiers" (English translation "fire brigade competition") on the reverse podium with a victorious athlete standing triumphantly on top. The obverse depicts Fame scattering laurel branches over the Exposition, surrounded by "PARIS 1900", "REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE", and "EXPOSITION UNIVERSELLE."  Designed by F. Vernon, the medal is made of solid pure silver with high-quality gold plating. It measures 59 mm tall by 41 mm wide and 2 mm thick, weighing 56 grams. The French Mint cornucopia symbol along with "Argent" (silver) is stamped on the lower side edge. This stunning example comes in GVF condition with hardly any gold plating worn off.

Presented to the first place winners of the Team Firefighting event, it is unknown if this particular medal was awarded for the "Volunteer" or "Professional" category. Firefighting was an unofficial event at the 1900 Paris Games, and competitions were held for both professional and volunteer firefighters. Firefighting is no longer considered an Olympic event by the IOC, but the official American report of the 1900 Games prepared by A.G. Spalding devotes an entire page to the competition, which was won by Kansas City of the USA and "its famous engine and hook and ladder company No.1."'