The 1904 Summer Olympics in St. Louis MO were the first games in the Western Hemisphere and were originally supposed to take place in Chicago. However after realizing how unprepared the Windy City was to host such an event the games were relocated to coincide with St. Louis' hosting of the World Fair commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Louisiana Purchase. The main events of the Games of the III Olympiad were Aug. 29 through Sept. 3 but these Olympics also featured an extended sports program that lasted July 1 - Nov. 23 known as the Exposition Games where professional Olympians and amateur athletes competed against each other in a series of meets consisting of "handicap" events. This was not a term used to describe physically impaired athletes. Instead certain athletes primarily amateurs were given a slight advantage in position or location (i.e. a head start).

Culver Hastedt a local St. Louis amateur representing the Missouri Athletic Club and Christian Brothers College was one of the most decorated athletes at the 1904 Summer Olympics and earned the nickname "King of the Handicaps" after winning four golds and one silver in the sprints and broad jump. Presented here is one of these incredibly rare and immaculately-preserved "handicap" gold medals passed down by Hastedt's late sister to her caretakers (consignor). This particular medal is perhaps the most valuable of them all as it was awarded to Hastedt for his 100-yard dash victory in the Olympic Open Handicap meet. (In the 100-yard dash Hastedt and other amateurs were given a 4-yard head start over their Olympian competitors.)

The two-piece 14K gold medal is beautifully designed with a 3.5 by 1cm gold plaque on top and a masterfully crafted 3cm (diameter) gold medal than hangs below connected by a single chain link. The top piece is in the shape of a long pedestal with Nike Goddess of Victory on the left "1904 - UNIVERSAL EXPOSITION OLYMPIC GAMES - ST. LOUIS" inscribed at center and two laurel branches on the right. The medal has a Western Hemisphere globe at center with a large spade design flanked by two winged shoes. The perimeter is inscribed "ATHLETIC MEETING - OPEN HANDICAP." The reverse has the fully attached pin back on the top piece and "100 Yd dash - Culver Hastedt" on the medal. Both sections are stamped with the maker "MERMOD & JACCARD." This exquisite piece of Olympic history comes in its original crimson red presentation box. Remarkably the two-part medal remains in Mint condition. The box shows more wear and tear especially in the back and presents in VG-EX shape. By our account this gold medal and the one featured in Lot 1157 are the first Exposition Games medals from the historic 1904 St. Louis Summer Olympics ever to surface! And if there is one amateur athlete who will always be remembered for his accomplishments at those games it is Culver Hastedt.

Comes with a Letter of Authenticity from the family who took care of Culver Hastedt's sister for the final decade of her life. Culver had passed his medals down to his sister upon his death in 1966 and in turn she passed them down to her caretakers upon her death in 1983. Also includes a detailed precious metal evaluation from Therese S. Kienstra a respected St. Louis jewelry specialist and historian who has verified the 14 karat gold contents.