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Columbian Exposition medal. 1892.

Currency:CAD Category:Coins & Paper Money / World Coins - Canada Start Price:3,000.00 CAD Estimated At:6,000.00 CAD
Columbian Exposition medal. 1892.
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This item SOLD at 2014 Jun 26 @ 22:41UTC-4 : AST/EDT
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Full-length figure of Columbus. Awarded to GEORGE SLEEMAN. Uncirculated Bronze, 77mm. By C.E. Barber and Augustus St. Gaudens. Original case.

1893 George Sleeman Medal. World’s Columbian Exposition award medal, awarded to GeorgeSleeman (Sleeman Breweries) in 1893. Large Bronze Medal, 76 mm. Designed by Augustus St.Gaudens and Charles Barber (two of the most talented engravers of the era). Obverse design features Columbus with arms outstretched, arriving on the shore of America. The reverse design features allegorical Fame and Science on either side of the globe, above inscription reading “WORLD’S.COLUMBIAN. EXPOSITION IN.COMMEMORATION. OF. THE. FOUR. HUNDREDTH.ANNIVERSARY OF. THE. LANDING. OF. COLUMBUS. MDCCCXCII. MDCCCXCIII.” (With separate die,) inscribed To GEORGE SLEEMAN. Cartouche is flanked by torches to either side. Signed:AVGVSTVS SAINT GAVDENS FECIT (obv.) / C. E. BARBER FECIT (rev.) Total Mintage for all award recipients: 400-600 known. George Sleeman Medal is likely unique. In aluminum, plush-linedcase of issue. Choice Uncirculated. Ref: Eglit 90; Baxter 87; Marqusee 348; Jaeger and Bowers64/53; Tolles p. 135This medal is an important piece of the history of the Sleeman Brewery and beer making in Canada. The 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition was the largest world fair ever held, with exhibitors from 46 countries and over 27 million visitors. Many companies used this fair as an opportunity to showcase and gain international recognition for their products. George Sleeman, grandson of John Sleeman who founded the brewery, attended the Exposition and showcased several of the company’s beers. Competitions were held for the best beers in several categories, with breweries from the United States, Germany and many other countries competing. Sleeman beers were a favourite at the Exposition. George Sleeman received awards for Sleeman Cream Ale, Sleeman Porter, and Sleeman Lager, and was accordingly awarded with this beautiful medal in recognition. As an interesting addition to the story, Pabst Blue Ribbon, which is now brewed in Canada by Sleeman Brewery, took its name from the 1893 Columbian Exposition where it claimed to have won the “Blue Ribbon” for the best overall beer. However, there is some doubt as to whether such an award was actually ever given out in 1893. Perhaps another medal was issued to Pabst, but no medal has ever been displayed by the company.