Spring Premier Auction 2015
Wed, Apr 8, 2015 08:00PM EDT - Mon, Apr 27, 2015 12:30AM EDT
Timed Auction
Lot 1301
1892 FIVE MILES (CYCLING) FIRST PRIZE MEDAL WON BY W.S. CUMMINGS (HELMS/LA84 COLLECTION)
Unsold
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $10 |
| $200 | $25 |
| $500 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $3,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $30,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 | $20,000 |
| $300,000 | $25,000 |
| $500,000 | $50,000 |
ADDENDUM: LOT HEADING FROM CATALOG HAS BEEN UPDATED. THIS IS A CYCLING MEDAL.
Exquisite three-part 1st place winner's medal for a 5-mile cycling race in 1892 won by W.S. Cummings. The 1890's are considered the "Golden Age of Cycling" as large organized races became very popular in Europe Japan and the U.S. At one point almost every major city in America had a velodrome for track racing events. It paved the way for the Tour De France which began in 1903 and continues to capture the attention of the sporting world.
The three sections of this delicate and intricately designed gilt silver award medal are connected by four short chain links two between each section. The top section is an inscribed plaque with an openwork scroll design approx 1.5 by 4.5 cm. The winner of the race "W.S. CUMMINGS" appears on the front and a smaller "JOHN HARRIOTT - BOSTON" (designer/maker) is stamped on the back. The middle section is an eagle plaque surmounting a set of handlebars roughing the same size as the top. The bottom piece is even more elegantly crafted with a cyclist figure and wreath in gold with "92" and "FIRST PRIZE FIVE MILES" inscribed. It has a square 3 x 3 cm shape. Altogether the 3-part medal is around 3 x 1.75 inches. Black spotting/rusting has occurred in each section mostly the top. A blue/green color has formed on the eagle. All chain links are completely intact. It remains in VG-EX condition impressive for being over 120 years old. This is one of the oldest and rarest cycling medals ever found in the hobby.
Includes a Letter of Provenance from the Helms Athletic Foundation/LA84 Collection.
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