Introduction 1867 Paris Exposition
Welcome to our dedicated page on the award medals of the 1867 Paris Exposition Universelle, the largest and grandest of all world’s fairs up to that time..
The 1867 Paris Exposition, was also known as the Exposition Universelle, occupied more than 100 acres on the Champ de Mars in the heart of Paris, lasted seven months (April 1-November 3), and attracted 15 million visitors. The central ceremonial event, on July 1, was a royal procession led by Napoleon III and twelve other European heads of state, followed by a speech by the French minister of state, a Rossini hymn performed by an orchestra of 1,200 musicians, and the presentation of awards and medals to the top exhibitors.
In the following sections, we will delve into the details of the various award medals, with a special focus on the 1 of the 5 Grand Prize Medals issued to Americans.
II. Award Medals of the 1867 Paris Exposition
The 1867 Paris Exposition recognized excellence in various fields by awarding different classes of medals. The exposition featured 50,226 exhibitors, including 15,055 from France and its colonies, 6,176 from Great Britain and Ireland, and 703 from the United States. Detailed information about this expo and the awarding of medals can be found here: The Paris Exposition. Official List of the Awards to American Exhibitors
The primary classes of award medals awarded included:
Grand Prize (Grand Prix): The highest honor, awarded for exceptional contributions and exhibits.
Gold Medals: First Class: Recognized high levels of excellence and achievement.
Silver Medals: Second Class: Awarded for notable contributions and quality.
Bronze Medals: Third Class: Acknowledged commendable efforts and participation.
The official awards report complained of lack of medals in the higher class like gold. The whole number of award medals issued was 5,000 with fewer than 2% of the exhibitors receiving the prestigious gold medals.
From the Report of commissioner to attend the Universal Exposition of 1867, at Paris, France I have clipped a couple of paragraphs about the total of 268 award medals issued to Americans.
Collector Notes: Only 17 gold medals, 5 grand prize medals. 62 silver medals, 104 bronze medals and 80 honorable mention medals issued to Americans. Looks like a low number of higher class medals were issued. I am excited to have 1 of the 5 Grand Prize medals issued to Americans.
The official awards medal of this 1867 Paris exposition is the same design described below for all classes of medals. This medal is 68mm or 2.67717 inches in diameter and the reverse has two cherubs hold up name tablet.
Description of the Grand Prize Medal
We are please to have acquired this Grand Prix Medal issued to the United States Sanitary Commission. It appears to be gold plated over bronze. Again, all the other classes of award medals have this same design.
Obverse Side:
The obverse side of the Grand Prize Medal from the 1867 Paris Exposition features a striking portrait of Emperor Napoleon III, who played a key role in promoting and organizing the exposition. The design includes:
Imagery: A detailed profile of Napoleon III, adorned with a laurel wreath symbolizing victory and honor.
Inscriptions: The text “NAPOLEON III EMPEREUR” encircles the portrait, denoting the emperor’s status and his connection to the event.
Artist Signature: The name “H. Ponscarme” is inscribed at the bottom, identifying Hubert Ponscarme as the medal’s designer.
Reverse Side:
The reverse side of the Grand Prize Medal is equally impressive, showcasing detailed artistry and symbolism. The design includes:
Imagery: The reverse depicts two cherubs (putti) holding a tablet inscribed with “COMMISSION SANITAIRE DES ETATS-UNIS” (United States Sanitary Commission). Upon researching I found the following interesting information about this organization:
The United States Sanitary Commission (USSC) was a civilian organization established in 1861 during the American Civil War. It was approved by President Abraham Lincoln on June 13, 1861. Its primary mission was to support sick and wounded soldiers of the Union Army. Its first executive secretary was Frederick Law Olmsted, (1822–1903), the famed landscape architect who designed New York’s Central Park. The USSC provided medical supplies, organized hospitals, improved sanitary conditions in camps, and trained nurses. It played a crucial role in reducing disease and death rates among soldiers by promoting hygiene and better medical care. The USSC’s efforts significantly enhanced the welfare of soldiers and demonstrated the power of organized civilian aid during wartime.
Below the cherubs, an eagle with outstretched wings is featured, representing power and freedom.
Inscriptions: The surrounding text reads “EXPOSITION UNIVERSELLE DE MDCCCLXVII À PARIS” (Universal Exposition of 1867 in Paris). At the bottom, the text “GRAND-PRIX” denotes the medal’s prestigious status.
Artist Signature: Again, “H. Ponscarme” is inscribed, confirming the designer’s identity.
The 1867 Paris Exposition was a landmark event that celebrated global innovation, culture, and progress. The prestigious award medals, including the Grand Prize, gold, silver, and bronze medals, played a significant role in recognizing and encouraging excellence across various fields. Collecting these historical medals from this and other expositions and world’s fairs offers a fascinating glimpse into the achievements and artistry of past eras, preserving the legacy of these grand events for future generations.