This Weeks Online Auction from TMG Features an Art Deco Living Estate in Arlington, VA - Part 1

Lot #0016B: 1933 Art Deco Bronze Medal for the Chicago Century of Progress Exposition by Medallic Art Company NY, Designed by Emil R. Zettler; 2 23/32"; 139 grams

Bidding is closed.
High Bid:$25.00
NA
Bidding Ended: Thu, Nov 19  9:13:00 pm ET
High Bidder: 575
Bid Increment: $2.00
Starting Bid: $1.00
Item Location: 148 Hillwood Ave, Falls Church, VA 22046
Item has been viewed 1,305 times.

 

As the artist wrote in the pamphlet accompanying the medal:

"The youthful figure of strength, energy and action represents the intellectual arch between natures's resources and man's work. From research and invention have come the great achievements of the century, 1833-1933. The extended arms of the figure praise the work of Science and Industry and their great benefits to humanity."

This is a beautiful example of both art deco and machine age symbolism. As the U.S. was struggling to leave the Great Depression, belief in science and technology was at an all-time high and the Century of Progress Exposition was a way to celebrate this "scientific optimism."  Those were the endeavors that would make life better for everyone.  Unfortunately, the horror of World War II that was only six years in the future would illustrate the other uses of research and industry.

The medal was struck in different sizes. The large size is the official souvenir medal whereas the smaller sized "so-called dollar" HK-463 is the official medal. No mintages are reported.

Bid Date Bid Amount Bidder
Nov 19, 2020 - 5:56:05 PM $25.00 i575
Nov 19, 2020 - 5:56:05 PM $23.00 i868
Nov 19, 2020 - 5:55:57 PM $21.00 i575
Nov 19, 2020 - 5:55:57 PM $19.00 i868
Nov 19, 2020 - 5:55:28 PM $17.00 i575
Nov 19, 2020 - 5:55:28 PM $15.00 i868
Nov 19, 2020 - 10:52:28 AM $10.00 i575
Nov 19, 2020 - 10:52:28 AM $9.00 i1512
Nov 17, 2020 - 8:16:48 AM $8.00 i575
Nov 17, 2020 - 8:16:48 AM $7.00 i935
Nov 15, 2020 - 11:17:07 AM $6.00 i575
Nov 15, 2020 - 11:17:07 AM $5.00 i317
Nov 14, 2020 - 2:22:49 PM $3.00 i317
Nov 14, 2020 - 12:18:45 AM $2.00 i1062
Nov 13, 2020 - 6:59:21 PM $1.00 i36
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