SCP Auctions, Inc.
Timed Auction

2024 Summer Premier

Wed, Jul 17, 2024 01:00PM EDT - Sat, Aug 3, 2024 10:30PM EDT
  • Olympics
  • Rings, Medals, Awards & Trophies
Lot 389

1924 Paris Summer Olympics Diploma and Participation Medal Issued to Austrian Fencing Competitor

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Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$200 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$3,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$30,000 $2,500
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000
$200,000 $25,000
$500,000 $50,000
$1,000,000 $100,000
$1,500,000 $150,000

Seldom do century-old Olympic participation medals come up for auction with direct provenance from the recipient. This 1924 Paris Summer Olympics bronze medal was issued to an Austrian fencer named Alois Gottfried who competed in both the individual and team foil events. Accompanying the medal is Gottried’s official athlete diploma from the 1924 Paris Games. Both items have been consigned by the recipient’s living son.

The 19.25” by 24.5” diploma reads (translated), "Diploma, Awarded to Gottfried Alois, Participated in the Fencing Tournament." Background artwork by Bernard Naudin depicts Nike, Goddess of Victory, between athletes and columns decorated with winners’ wreaths. At the bottom are facsimile signatures of French Committee President Graf Justinien de Clary and IOC President Pierre de Coubertin. Fully intact, its condition is good overall with several horizontal wrinkle creases. It comes displayed under Plexiglas in a modern wood frame measuring 20.5” by 26.5”.

The 1924 Paris participation medal is made of pure bronze. It was minted by Paris Mint and designed by Raoul Bénard, measuring 55 mm in diameter and 4 mm thick and weighing 75 grams. The obverse has a city view of Paris over the French legend in three lines with "VIII OLYMPIADE PARIS 1924" in raised lettering. The reverse shows Nike with laurel wreaths crowning victorious athletes. Designer's name is stamped at the lower rim. “BRONZE” is hallmarked on the bottom edge. Presents in VF condition with no visible oxidation and a mostly smooth, unblemished surface. Comes in its original brown presentation box.

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