This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/4/2017
Presented here is a silver 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 silver plaque was awarded to a gymnastics participant, as
referenced by "XXXVIme FETE FEDERALE DE GYMNASTIQUE" inscribed on the reverse
side 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
silver (argent) and
measures 59 mm tall by 41 mm wide and 2 mm thick, weighing 56 grams. The
French Mint cornucopia symbol along with "ARGENT" is stamped on the
lower side edge. The tarnished, darkened plaque presents in Very Fine condition overall.