Spring Premier Auction 2016

Here is an ancient bronze award medal issued to a shooting competitor at the 1900 Paris Olympic Games. Held in conjunction with the 1900 Universal Exposition (World's Fair) which lasted five months, the games were officially known as the II Games of the Olympiad, but it took several years to earn this title. At the time, many athletes were unaware that they were in fact competing in Olympic events. The 1904 St. Louis Olympic Games was held under the same context. Nevertheless, award and winners medals from both of these games are quite collectible and heavily coveted. For a very select few events, the 1st place winner received plaques made of gold-plated silver or, in special cases, solid 22 karat gold (both examples are featured in this auction). Designed by Charles Marey, it measures 44mm in diameter and 3mm. Obverse shows a winged female holding fallen soldier with "HONEUR PATRIE" above and "AM" adjacent; tiny inscriptions "H.DUBOIS" and "D'APRES A.MERCIE" on opposite edges. Reverse shows a French rooster on a panel with the French legend; the panel is engraved "A.LACOUR", most likely the name of the athlete recipient of this medal. Rim inscribed "BRONZE." Shooting was one of the most popular events at the 1900 Paris Games. There are varying reports of 500-3,000 participants in shooting alone. It is unknown how many of these participants received award medals. This one is well-preserved in Near Mint condition.