Elihu Vedder

The obverse bears nude Columbia seated on winged car, holding palm frond in outstretched left and resting right on cornucopia; on left, rising sun over clouds; on right, clouds. At left above sun, 1892; signed at right with artist's letter V.

The reverse bears dedication: TO / Martin Roche / ONE OF THE DESIGNERS / OF THE WORLD'S / COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION / ON THE FOURHUNDREDTH / ANNIVERSARY / OF THE LANDING OF / COLUMBUS / OCTOBER 21 / 1892

Martin Roche was part owner of the famous architectural firm of "Holabird and Roche", one of the most prolific firms in Chicago. They are known for the Marquette Building, the neo-classical Soldier Field and the New South Wales Building of the Columbian Exposition. The firm was renamed after William Holabird and Martin Roche died and is now known as "Holabird and Root."

Elihu Vedder is famous and well known for his paintings, in particular his illustrations for "The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam." He is less well known for his medallic work but this medal is a beautiful and rare example of his skill as a sculptor.

This medal exists in several variations and materials.  Vedder's obvese is combined with different dedications to honor designers, managers, and other high-ranking dignitaries of the Exposition.  All variations are quite rare.

The circular medal measures 64mm in diameter and was struck in bronze by the Whiting Manufacturing Company of New York. No mintage is reported.

The obverse bears nude Columbia seated on winged car, holding palm frond in outstretched left and resting right on cornucopia; on left, rising sun over clouds; on right, clouds. At left above sun, 1892; signed at right with artist's letter V.

The reverse bears dedication: TO / Thies J. Lefens / ONE OF THE DIRECTORS / OF THE WORLD'S / COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION / FROM ITS PRESIDENT / HARLOW N. HIGINBOTHAM / CHICAGO / 1893

Thies Jacob Lefens (1846-1913) was a Chicago-based real estate dealer and businessman. He was born in Hamburg and emigrated to the U.S. in 1863. After working in the produce commission business he joined the Conrad Seipp brewing company, where he eventually became secretary and treasurer.  He married into the Seipp family and entered the real estate business.

This medal exists in several variations and materials.  Vedder's design on the obvese is combined with different dedications to honor designers, architects, managers, and other high-ranking dignitaries of the Columbian Exposition.  All variations are quite rare.

The circular medal measures 64mm in diameter and was struck in silver. No mintage is reported.

Images courtesy of Stack's Bowers Galleries, www.StacksBowers.com.