Gilt Bronze Medal Commemorating Henry Giffard's Giant Balloon. 1878 (Chris Balm Vintage Aviation & Motoring Items)

Gilt Bronze Medal Commemorating Henry Giffard's Giant Balloon. 1878

SOLD

Gilt Bronze Medal Commemorating Henry Giffard's Giant Balloon. 1878

Very attractive early gilt bronze ballooning medal made to commemorate an ascension in Henry Giffard's Giant aerostat (captive balloon).

This large medal is made from gilt bronze, the front bears a detailed view of the balloon floating above Paris with the following inscription below : "Panorama De Paris - 1878". The reverse is inscribed, "Souvenir De Mon Ascension Dans Le Grand Ballon Captif A Vapeur De Mr Henry Giffard" (which translates as : Souvenir of my ascension in Mr. Henry Giffard's giant gas balloon). Diameter (not including suspension ring) : 50mm. Good condition (some marking to reverse). Comes with original fitted leather case (as illustrated).

This was reputedly the largest gas balloon ever built. It was a feature of the 1878 Paris World Fair, and was designed by Henri Giffard to take passengers (52 at a time) above Paris. Each passenger was given a souvenir medal, this being an example. The medal was designed by C. Trottin, there were 6 variations produced (all with slight differences).

For more information on Henri Giffard, please click on link below :

HENRI GIFFARD

Inventory No. A-2

------------------------------------------------------------

[ Web Site Home | Aviation Home | Motoring Home | Other Home ]