So-Called Dollars
LOT WITHDRAWN
44-45 mm. This is a rare variant of the Blondin medal, mentioned in a note in the supplement to Brown's British Historical Medals. A somewhat crude piece, approximately 35 mm in diameter and thin, copies the design of the present example; it is cataloged as Unlisted SCD-309, BHM-2672. An article in NCG's Collector's Society identifies J.W. Moore of Birmingham, England as the maker of the smaller format Blondin medal and traces 16 examples, including some in museum collections, and the piece on the John Raymond website on unlisted so-called dollars (Unlisted SCD-309, as above). Regarding the larger format offered here, we have not traced another example, and this may be the first time that a specimen has been professionally photographed. The medal specifically refers to the attendance of the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII), who famously visited Canada in 1860. It depicts Blondin (1824-1897) during his spectacular crossing of the Falls, a walk he performed many times, once with his manager on his back. Another time, he made himself an omelet, 160 feet above water. He performed as late as 1896 and is probably the greatest tightrope walker ever, surpassing the Wallendas and even the estimable Philippe Petit. This medal is both spectacular and accurate, with Blondin on his 1100' rope depicted at scale, and thus tiny.
Reportedly purchased on eBay, August 2006.
Estimate: $300