Large Gilt Bronze Henri Giffard Ballooning Medal. 1878 (Chris Balm Early Aviation & Motoring Items)

Large Gilt Bronze Henri Giffard Ballooning Medal. 1878

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Large Gilt Bronze Henri Giffard Ballooning Medal. 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 and is still suspended from it's original ribbon and wooden t-bar. 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 (light surface wear to medal, some chipping to t-bar).

At the time, this was the largest gas balloon ever built. It was a feature of the 1878 Paris World Fair and was designed by Henry 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).

Inventory No. A-336

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